MAY - JUNE 2006
Official publication of THE VASA ORDER OF AMERICA A Swedish-American Fraternal Organization Organized September 18, 1896
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The Grand Master’s Message Ulf Brynjestad
From the Vice Grand Master Vasa Syskon, Dear Friends; It is a great pleasure to have this last opportunity as Vice Grand Master to address all of you. GM Ulf asked me to write the address, even though it is the last of the 4-year term, since it contains summary information on the scholarship winners. As Vice Grand Master, I have the responsibility of chairing the Scholarship Committee and contacting the various winners. This year the Grand Lodge provided about $27,500 through 14 college and vocational scholarship each year and about $13,000 for 8 Language Camp scholarships to ‘Sjölunden’ (near Bemidji) in northern Minnesota. Your generous donations help make this possible. Tack så mycket! The pictures and information about each winner, including their school and VASA activities, can be found in this issue. Sixty-four applications were received (29 from Vasa members) from which the fourteen winners were chosen. Three judges, not affiliated with VASA, have faithfully served to judge the essays submitted the last four years. I thank them for their effort. Fourteen applications for the eight Concordia Language Camp Scholarships were received (down from 21 last year). Their names and local lodge connections are also found in this issue. In addition to notifying the winners (and non-winners) a cover letter with a certificate for each winner is sent to the pertinent Grand Lodge Deputy who attempts to present the scholarship award at an official VASA function. The Grand Secretary, after confirmation from the winner as to the school being attended, prepares a voucher to have a check written
to the institution the student will be attending. Similarly the Concordia Language Camp is notified of the winners and funds are sent directly to Concordia College. The Camp Coordinator then deals directly with the award winner. You may have noticed the announcement in the Vasa Star or on the Vasa web site of a post-graduate fellowship, called the Vasa Doctoral Fellowship (VDF). Two applications were received but no award was given as the judges felt the doctoral study focus was not as suitable for Vasa as desired. The fellowship will be announced again in two years. Note that the announcement of the annual Vasa Scholarship program is always in the Sep/Oct issue of the Vasa Star as well as being available October 1st on the GL website, www.vasaorder.com, under ‘benefits.’ Parents or grandparents, please encourage your children or grandchildren to join VASA so they can be eligible for this wonderful benefit of membership. In addition to the scholarship work, Marty and I had the pleasure of attending conventions in DL Arizona No. 21, DL Golden Gate No. 12, DL New Jersey No. 6 and DL Lake Michigan No. 8. Now I am busy preparing my report for the exciting event called the Grand Lodge Convention, only a little over a month away at this writing. I hope to see many of you there. In Truth and Unity, Rolf Bergman, VGM
THE VASA STAR (USPS 657-020) May-June 2006 Vol. 99, No. 3, Serial 845 Published by: Vasa Order of America vasaorder.com HEADQUARTERS: c/o Joan Graham Grand Secretary 5838 San Jose Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 Phone: 510-526-5512 E-mail: vasajlg@aol.com
Grand Master: Rolf S. Bergman 3236 Berkeley Avenue Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 Phone: 216-371-5141 Fax: 707-598-0638 E-mail: rolf.bergman@sbcglobal.net
Editor: Marie Carlson 9560 Curberry Drive Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: 440-255-4665 E-mail: marie@swedes-r-us.com
Circulation Manager: Cathy Anderson 6631 E. Via Algardi Tucson, AZ 85718 Phone: 520-615-3113 E-mail: circulationvasastar@gmail.com
Membership Chairman: Joan Graham 5838 San Jose Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 Phone: 510-526-5512 E-mail:vasajlg@aol.com Send bottom section of white copy of application for new members to her. Orders for advertising should be sent to:
THE VASA STAR Marie Carlson 9560 Curberry Drive Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: 440-255-4665 E-mail: marie@swedes-r-us.com
New Advertising Prices: Full Page Black and White old price $300.00 new price $500.00 Half Page Black and White old price $175.00 new price $275.00 Quarter Page Black and White old price $100.00 new price $150.00 One Column Inch old price $20.00 new price $30.00 Full Page Color old price $500.00 new price $800.00 Half Page Color old price $300.00 new price $500.00 10% discount for Vasa Lodges and Members
THE VASA STAR (ISSN 0746-0627) is published bi-monthly by the Vasa Order of America. Periodicals postage paid at Issaquah, WA and additional entries. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Vasa Star, P.O. Box 1118, Issaquah, WA 98027.
Vasa Star May-June 2006
THE VASA STAR
MAY-JUNE 2006
Letter from the Editor Spring is such a wonderful season when trees are once again turning green and the flowers are blooming. Everything is so fresh and new and the air is filled with all kinds of wonderful smells. It’s a gift “mother earth” is returning to us after keeping it in storage for a while. In a way spring is a symbol of new life, rebirth. On the cover you have the “Symbol of Youth”, little Oscar Leo, Oak Leaf Lodge No. 685, Thousand Oaks, CA. What could be more appropriate this time of year? The Vasa Order of America is starting opening another chapter in the life of our order through voting on proposed changes in our constitution and by-laws and installing new officers and directors at the upcoming Grand Lodge Convention in San Diego, CA. I hope that my family and I can go for part of the convention but there are complications in the plans. I am looking forward to work with our new Grand Master. In the Please Meet section is an interview I was very fortunate to do with one of Sweden’s most popular authors, Håkan Nesser. He has just recently published his first murder mystery available in English. In the Youth News section you can read about a life this special young girl chose to live during two months: A Swedish Chilean Nicaraguan American. I am very excited to tell you about something I have frequently been asked about. Well Swedish Lessons, written by Lillemor and Richard Horngren will start up in the Jul/Aug 2006 issue. They are quite excited about writing these again. Since there are many members that have not seen the beginning of the lessons, they will re-issue the lessons from the beginning. They will make some corrections/additions and perhaps, at times, combine two lessons. The first lesson they wrote started in the February 1985 issue. Marie To new beginnings!
Brev från redaktören Våren är en underbar säsong när träden än en gång står i grönska och alla blommorna slår ut, allting är så fräscht och nytt och luften är fylld av alla sorters underbara dofter. Det är en gåva från ”moder jord” vi får tillbaka efter att den legat i förvaring under en tid. På ett sätt är våren en symbol för livet, pånyttfödelse. På omslaget har ni en “Symbol för Ungdomen”, lilla Oscar Leo, Oak Leaf Lodge #685, Thousand Oaks, CA, vad kunde vara mer passade under denna tid på året. Vasa Orden av Amerika öppnar ett nytt kapitel i vår Ordens liv genom val av föreslående stadgar och installerande av nya exekutiva råd i den kommande kongressen i San Diego, Kalifornien. Jag hoppas att min familj kan vara med under några dagar men det har tillstött komplikationer. Jag ser fram emot att arbeta med vår nya Stormästare. I Please Meet sektionen finns en intervju som jag hade turen att göra med en av Sveriges mest populära författare, Håkan Nesser. Han har nyligen publicerat sin första kriminalroman med engelsk översättning. I Youth News sektionen kan ni läsa om ett liv som en ung dam valde att leva under några månader: A Swedish Chilean Nicaraguan American. Jag är väldigt glad över att kunna berätta något för er som jag ofta tillfrågats och det gäller Svensk lektionerna. Lillemor och Richard Horngren kommer att börja med dessa i jul/aug 2006 upplagan. De är väldigt glada över att kunna göra det här igen. Eftersom det antagligen är rätt många medlemmar som inte sett de första lektionerna, kommer de att gå tillbaka och börja om från början. De kommer att göra några ändringar/tillägg och ibland kommer två lektioner att kombineras. Den första lektionen började i februari 1985. Till en ny början! Marie
Deadlines for The Vasa Star: Jan./Feb. is Dec. 1st March/April is Feb. 1st May/June is April 1st
July/Aug. is June 1st Sept./Oct. is Aug. 1st Nov./Dec. is Oct. 1st
Deadline for Christmas ads: October 1st Page 3
ARCHIVES NEWS SWEDISH VASA SYSKON VISITING THE VASA ARCHIVES
Vasa members from five different lodges in Sweden presenting their table standards to Lillemor Horngren.
What a wonderful surprise it was to receive word that a group of Vasa members were planning to visit the Archive and Bishop Hill on their 10-day tour of the Midwest. When we found out that they were coming on a Monday we were disappointed since that is the one-day in the week that many of the important State Site buildings are closed due to lack of funds. Had we been part of the planning on our end we would have been able to advise the group leader about this. However the State Site supervisor made an exception and did open the Olof Krans museum, which was very much appreciated by the visitors. After a guided tour of the village we were ready at the Archive with strong Swedish coffee and some homemade baked goods. Then the group had less than two hours to visit the village. Five lodges were represented within the group of about thirty travelers. The
members representing their lodges were Gunnel Hellberg-Dahlman from Tomelilla No 631, Solveig Johnson from Skåne No 570, Bo Abrahamsson from Christian No 617, Bodil Walles from Malmöhus No 643 and Christer Hansson from Trelleborg No 734. What a great group of Vasa representatives. We would like to advise all of you planning a visit to Bishop Hill, please plan to spend several hours if at all possible. So much history can be found in Bishop Hill and so much of it is Swedish and then of course there is our own Vasa Archives and all the fine shops. If we can be of help…please do not hesitate to contact us here at the Archive and we will do what we can to make your visit most pleasant. Vasa Archive, PO Box 101, Bishop Hill IL 61419, Telephone/FAX 309-9273898 or e-mail: vasarkiv@winco.net Submitted by: R&L Horngren
IMPORTANT! Immediate Changes Circulation Manager Cathy Anderson’s new address is: 6631 E. Via Algardi, Tucson, AZ 85718 (520) 615-3113 Lillemor and Richard Horngren at the Vasa Archives new e-mail: vasa_archives@hughes.net Page 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Grand Master’s Message Letter From The Editor (SWE and ENG) Archives News Table of Contents Grand Lodge News Grand Lodge Order Form Grand Lodge Convention Quilt Raffle Grand Lodge Convention Trip to Julian Scholarship Recipients Sjölunden Winners Grand Lodge Elderhostel Award Application District Lodge News DL Massachusetts No. 2 DL Pacific Southwest No. 15 DL 20 Södra Sverige News from Lodges Tegnér Lodge #149 Brahe Lodge #245 Svea Lodge #296 Lindbergh Lodge #375 Skogsblomman lodge #378 Branting Lodge #417 Vasa Hope Lodge #503 Phoenix Lodge #677 Bishop Hill Lodge #683 Oak Leaf Lodge #685 Cariboo Lodge #690 Vinland of Cape Cod Lodge #703 Stenland Lodge #727 Nordic Red Rocks Lodge #760 Nordic Folk Lodge #761 Swedish News Svensk-Amerikanska dagar i Sverige (SWE) Sista Dansen (SWE) Logen Enköping Nr 646 (SWE) Logen Uddevalla Nr 638 (SWE and ENG) Logen Härnösand Nr 673 (SWE) Youth News A Swedish Chilean Nicaraguan American TeachTown Welcome To New Members Please Meet Håkan Nesser Hugo Walters Family Birthday Linnea Magnie Lavonne Johnson Birth Announcement Cody Engel Magnusson Happenings Mardi Gras at Vasa Park The Ellen Bergstone Scholarship Award In Memoriam
Vasa Star May-June 2006
THE 2006 GRAND LODGE CONVENTION LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE THESE UNIQUE ITEMS!
Swedish Gammaldans Music CD (#3)
Swedish Gammaldans Music CD (#4)
Commemorative Spoon Rest/Tea Caddy (#2)
These articles are offered as a fundraiser for the 2006 Grand Lodge Convention in San Diego, California, June 30 - July 7, 2006. District Lodge Pacific Southwest No. 15 thanks you warmly.
Elegant Wrist Watch with Vasa Emblem (#8)
Holidays in Sweden Traditions and Superstitions (#1)
Swedish Gammaldans Music CD (#6)
Swedish Gammaldans Music CD (#5)
Blue Short Sleeve Polo Shirt with Vasa Emblem (#7)
ORDER FORM S H I P
Name: ____________________________________________________Country _____________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________
www.vasaorder.com
www.vasaDL15.com
These items are offered as a fundraiser for the 2006 Grand Lodge Convention in San Diego, California, June 30 - July 7, 2006
City/State/Zip: __________________________________Ph. No. _________________________
T O
NOTE: Sales tax is included in the prices Prices are in U.S. Dollar
Country Code/Area Code/Number
Email: ________________________________________________________________________
QUANTITY
ITEM DESCRIPTION 1. Book: “Holidays in Sweden – Traditions and Superstitions” 2. Commemorative Tea Caddy/Spoon Rest 3. Compact Disc: “Skandinavisk Gammaldans” 4. Compact Disc: “Alfon’s Gammaldansfavoriter” 5. Compact Disc: “Dragspelsglädje” 6. Compact Disc: “Sweetheart, Let’s Dance” 7. Blue Polo Shirt with Vasa Emblem: S ( ) M ( ) L ( ) XL ( ) XXL ( ) XXXL ( ) 8. Wrist Watch with Vasa D.L. Logo: Ladies’ ( ) Men’s ( )
Please write your check to: VASA GRAND LODGE 2006 CONVENTION Mail your order and check to: Leslie Leigard, 21402 Perry St., Carson, CA 90745 Email: lesliej28@comcast.net • Phone (310) 835-6501 Thank you for your order and support of District Lodge Pacific Southwest No. 15! Order Total Up to $16.00 $17.00 to $29.00 $30.00 to $40.00 $41.00 to $60.00
U.S.A. $3.00 $5.00 $6.00 $8.00
Vasa Star May-June 2006
Canada $4.00 $6.00 $8.00 $10.00
Shipping and Handling (USD) Sweden Order Total $8.00 $61.00 to $80.00 $10.00 $81.00 to $100.00 $14.00 Over $100 $16.00
U.S.A. $10.00 $12.00 $14.00
PRICE EACH $11.00 $11.00 $16.00 $16.00 $16.00 $16.00 $28.00 $32.00
TOTAL
SUBTOTAL Shipping (see chart) TOTAL INCLUDED Canada $12.00 $18.00 $22.00
Sweden $20.00 $24.00 $28.00
All items are shipped First Class within the U.S. and Air Mail to Canada and Sweden Page 5
2006 GRAND LODGE CONVENTION OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE HOME A FANTASTIC QUILT Handmade by Daga-Karin Lindquist, the quilt’s designer and Chairman of the 2006 Grand Lodge Convention Committee, and her hardworking quilt group. Each square is hand embroidered with the local flower of a province in Sweden by members of local lodges within District 15. The embroidery and colors are absolutely beautiful in this unique quilt, which is First Prize in the opportunity drawing presented here. Second Prize in the drawing is a magnificent Framed Original Oil Painting by Louise Murphy, a member of Nordic Lodge No. 660 of District 15. Louise is a renowned artist and her works are highly valued. Third prize is a House Number Plaque in brass, which will be designed and cast for the winner by Past Grand Master Eric Johnson. We are very honored that these excellent VASA people have offered the spectacular items above to be used in this fundraising effort for the 2006 Grand Lodge Convention. The DRAWING will be held during the Grand Lodge Convention in San Diego, at the Grand Banquet on Friday, July 7, 2006. (Winner need not be present.) TICKETS are $5.00 (USD) per ticket and $20.00 (USD) for 5 tickets. Please use the Order Form to order your tickets now! NOTE: Orders and checks must be received by June 23 to be eligible for the drawing.
✄ ORDER FORM FOR RAFFLE TICKETS Orders and checks must be received by June 23, 2006, to be eligible for the drawing. Please Print Clearly S H I P
www.vasaorder.com, www.vasaDL15.com
Name_______________________________________________________________ Ph. No.________________________
Address__________________________________________ City/State/Zip Code________________________________
T O
Email:______________________________________ District & Local Lodge: _________________________________
QUANTITY
ITEM DESCRIPTION
PRICE EACH
TOTAL
2006 Grand Lodge Convention Raffle Tickets (Single ticket)
$5.00
$__________
2006 Grand Lodge Convention Raffle Tickets (Set of 5 tickets)
$20.00
$__________
SUBTOTAL
$__________
Shipping
$ 1.00
TOTAL INCLUDED
$
Please write your check to: VASA GRAND LODGE 2006 CONVENTION Mail your order and check to: Leslie Leigard, 21402 Perry St., Carson, CA 90745 Email: lesliej28@comcast.net. Phone: (310) 835-6501 Good Luck and thanks for your order and support of D. L. Pacific Southwest No. 15!
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Vasa Star May-June 2006
2006 Grand Lodge Convention; San Diego, California Day Trip To Julian -- The Automobile Club of Southern California offers the following suggestions for a day trip to the lovely town of Julian. The 4200-foot elevation grants perfect weather in the mountains of eastern San Diego County. There are apple orchards, pine and oak forests, stores and cafes, and pie shops specializing in apple pie. Learn about wolves at the California Wolf Center on Highway 79 south of Julian which conducts research and raises wolves for reintroduction into the wild. There is a gold-mining heritage that can be enjoyed by walking the main street lined with historic buildings. The Menghini Winery is located at 1150 Julian Orchards Drive and produces a semidry apple wine just a short drive from town. Mom’s Pies offers freshly baked pies—apple pies or an apple-berry specialty. To get into Julian’s spirit take a horse-and-buggy ride from the Country Carriages at the Corner of Main and Washington Streets. Be sure to visit the Julian Pioneer Museum at 2811 Washington Street in the brewery-turned-blacksmith-shop-turnedmuseum, and discover the town’s past through textiles, photographs, Native American artifacts, and mining and farming equipment. The Birdwatcher has a fantastic selection of bird feeders, nesting boxes, bird themed clothing, gifts, books, toys, and art including a raven sculpture that presides over the entryway. The Vasa members from Uddevalla Lodge will be taking many pictures of that raven to send back to Sweden. While spending the day in Julian a visit to the Eagle and High Peak Mines is definitely in order. On Eagle Mining Company’s one-hour tours, you’ll get a glimpse of the Gold Rush that drew settlers to Julian in 1870. Guides lead you through the tunnels, explain machinery and gear used to extract and process ore, and tell stories of the town’s hard-rock miners. Two hotels that deserve a visit are the Orchard Hill Country Inn and the Julian Gold Rush Hotel. Relive history at the landmark Julian Gold Rush Hotel established in 1897 and said to be the oldest continuously operative hotel in Southern California. Be sure to make reservations for this trip early. It is a very special day. Dr. Jacqueline E. Ahlen, Publicity Chairman for the 2006 Grand Lodge Convention Committee
The Grand Lodge Elderhostel Award The Grand Lodge of the Vasa Order of America offers two grants each calendar year, in an amount up to $1,500 each. This award will pay tuition to an Elderhostel program related to Sweden or Scandinavia. Eligibility: 1. Applicant must be a member of the Vasa Order of America at least 5 years, 2. Applicant must be 55 years of age or above. Requirements: The following items must reach the Vice Grand Master prior to Nov. 1, 2006: 1. Completed application including a description of the program or session and the fee/tuition. 2. A written statement of the value of the program or session and how the applicant will use the information to benefit Vasa, and 3. A statement by the local lodge secretary, complete with signature and the lodge seal, verifying the length of membership and age requirement. Procedure: 1. Applicant selects an Elderhostel program [registers and sends in the deposit]. 2. Applicant applies for the Grand Lodge Elderhostel Award by using application from accompanying this description or downloading the application from the Vasa Order of America website. 3. Mail the completed application with all information requested to the Vice Grand Master. 4. On selection of the Award, the awardee registers for the program. 5. On receipt of the confirmation of enrollment from Elderhostel, the awardee sends a copy of the confirmation to the Grand Lodge Secretary for the check to be issued. Vasa Star May-June 2006
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Grand Lodge Elderhostel Award Application Applicant’s Name: ________________________________________________ Email Address:_________________________________
Birth Year: ____________
Phone number: ___________________________
Address/city/state/zip: _____________________________________________________________________ Title of Elderhostel Program: _______________________________________________________________ Program Number and Location: _____________________________________________________________ Start and End Dates: ______________________________________________________________________ Brief Description of Program: ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Attach no more than a one-page statement on the Value of Program and how you will use it to benefit Vasa * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Statement by the local lodge secretary, complete with signature and the lodge seal, verifying the length of membership and age requirement. Name of Applicant: _______________________________________________________________________ Applicant has been a Member of Local Lodge _____________________________________ No. _________ since ___________________. Applicant meets the age requirement for the Grand Lodge Elderhostel Award of 55 years or above: Yes _____ No _____ Signature of Local Lodge Secretary: __________________________________________________________ Lodge seal
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Vasa Star May-June 2006
VASA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Dr. Rolf S. Bergman, Vice Grand Master and Chairman of the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee, is pleased to announce the winners of the VASA SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS for 2006.
THE OSCAR AND MILDRED LARSON AWARD—$3,000
THE GRAND LODGE SCHOLARSHIP—$3,000
DEANNA LYNN WENDEL Bishop Hill Lodge 683 DL Great Lakes No. 8
KATIE WIEMERSLAGE Solidaritet Lodge 396 DL Pacific Northwest No. 13
Deanna will graduate from Galva High School in Galva, IL. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society, is an Illinois State Scholar and has earned a State FFA degree. She participated in Vasa meetings, Swedish language classes, Maypole activities at Midsommar, and in Swedish folk dances. Deanna volunteers at a Humane Shelter for the care of cats and dogs. She plans to attend Knox College with a possible major in Anthropology and plans to continue her education in graduate school.
Katie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Eastern Washington University in June 2005 with a B.A. in Theatre, and a minor in German. She has applied to graduate school to pursue her MFA in Acting. Katie has participated in Lucia Pageants since age 2 and has been active in her local lodge. Her community and service activities are centered around her church and theatre studies. She is a previous GL scholarship winner
After graduating Shrewsbury High School, Kelsey plans to Major in English and History in college. She participated in Vasa Children’s Club at an early age. Kelsey was accepted into A Cappella Choir honors chorus and had the opportunity to sing in Spain and New York City. This spring she performed as Belle in her high school production of Beauty and the Beast. Kelsey was inducted into the NHS. She is a Junior Deacon at her church and has participated in youth mission trips.
THE IRMA AND KNUTE CARLSON AWARD—$1,000
COLLEGE OR VOCATIONAL AWARD—$1,000
COLLEGE OR VOCATIONAL AWARD—$1,000
SARA SUZANNE HUBER Linnea Lodge 696 DL Pacific Southwest No. 15
CARL ANDREW NELSON North Star Lodge 145 DL Pacific Northwest No. 13
ULRIKA SWANSON Jubileum Lodge 755 DL Lake Michigan No. 8
Sara’s major at University of California Irvine was Civil Engineering with a Specialization in Water Resources. She has been accepted at the University of Dundee, Scotland for her graduate studies. At her local lodge, Sara has served as the Master of Ceremonies and last December she directed the Lucia Pageant and choir performance. She is active in an outrigger canoe club and enjoys paddling on the open ocean. Sara also enjoys reading, weaving, playing golf and dancing.
Carl will graduate Northwest Christian School in Colbert, WA in June 2006. His goal is to become an Electrical Engineer. As a recent exchange student to Sweden he played his fiddle in the Finnspongs Musiksällskap. Carl was on his high school varsity soccer team, and ran track. He accepted the position of Co-Cultural leader in his lodge. Carl also does volunteer work through his church, worked in an orphanage in Mexico, and in the community where he put in 250 hours.
Ulrika graduated from Oregon, WI high school in June 2005. She is a member of the NHS and the International Thespian Society. She took Spanish at the UW while in high school. Her application was received by fax from Covenant Bible College in Quito, Ecuador where she has studied this past year. Ulrika will attend North Park College and plans to study music, math and science. With her strong musical background she would like to play viola in a professional orchestra.
Vasa Star May-June 2006
THE GLADYS A. AND RUSSELL M. BIRTWISTLE AWARD—$1,500 KELSEY GIBBS Nordic Lodge 611 DL Massachusetts No. 2
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$1,000 COLLEGE OR VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AWARDS Each of the students below has qualified for an award to be used at the institute of higher learning of choice.
KERRY McGRATH Olympic Lodge 235 DL New York No. 4
PATRICK-JON BOOTON Lindbergh Lodge 505 DL New York No. 4
ALICIA PARLAPIANO Brahe Lodge 245 DL Lake Michigan No. 8
In June, Kerry will graduate from high school with an Advanced Regents Diploma. In college she plans to earn a BS and MS in Child Psychology and work in the school system. Kerry has been an active member of Barnklubben Elsa Rix No. 1 for many years and gave a program on Astrid Lindgren, author of Pippi Longstocking, at her local lodge. One of her references reported she likes sill, gravlax, and sylta! Kerry has worked as a lifeguard and a camp counselor for 8-10 year old girls. She has participated in walks for Autism and with Samaritan’s Operation Christmas Child. At her church Kerry has taught VBS and is the acolyte coordinator.
Patrick will graduate from Cold Spring High School, NY, this year earning a Regents Diploma. After college he hopes to become a high school social studies teacher. Patrick has been involved with Special Olympics for 10 years, first as an athlete and now as a coach for their gymnastics team, volunteering in weekly training sessions from October to June each year. He plays the cello and piano and also teaches a confirmation class at his church. Patrick is a 4th generation Vasa member. He attends lodge meetings with his parents and does a lot of kitchen duty. Patrick has been to Sweden twice and is learning Swedish.
Alicia is a student at the University of North Carolina where she is on the Dean’s List. Her present course of study is Journalism with graphic design. Alicia is the art director for the Blue and White campus magazine. Her future plans involve working for a non-profit organization doing graphic and publication design. Alicia is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and is a member of InterVarsity Christian fellowship. She has participated in her lodge’s herring breakfasts and has written articles for the district newsletter, Valt Hornet. She thinks the young members of Vasa need to be active to expand its impact and preserve the Swedish culture and history.
RACHEL LINNEA SWANSON Scandinavian Lodge 667 DL Pacific Southwest No. 15
KIMBERLY McGANN Bessemer Lodge 203 DL Lake Michigan No. 8
KRISTEN MORTENSEN Norden Lodge 1 DL Connecticut No. 1
Rachel will graduate from Glendale High School this spring. She was one of the top students featured in Springfield MO by Springfield Magazine. Her anticipated major is biology/biochemistry with plans to attend graduate school to receive her PhD and become involved with stem-cell research. Rachel was the football manager; played in the orchestra; was on the swim team and inducted into the National Honor society. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and was a Salvation Army Bell ringer. Rachel is a third generation Vasa member and has participated in Santa Lucia programs. She especially likes her Swedish middle name: Linnea.
Kimberly is finishing her second year at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is on the Dean’s List. Her present course of Study is Mathematics/ Elementary Education. She wishes to teach grades K-8 and later to obtain her Masters Degree in Administration for possibly becoming a principal. Kimberly belonged to the Solstrålen Children’s Club for about ten years and performed in many Lucia and spring fests, as well as in nursing homes. As a D.A.R.E. Role Model, Kim presented the D.A.R.E. program to a fifth grade class. Some of her special interests include: children, music, arts and crafts, and leadership opportunities.
Kristen will graduate Newington High School in June 2006. She is awaiting replies from several colleges. Her anticipated course of study is in the health field; in nursing or psychology. In a collaborative Summer School program, she chose to job shadow in a X-ray department where she developed X-rays and observed other tests, i.e. MRI and CAT scans. Kristen is an acolyte in her church and helps in the soup kitchen. She like to play tennis. Kristen joined Vasa in 2003. In her essay on the role of youth in VASA, she believes the future of keeping Swedish traditions alive are on the shoulders of teens and young adults.
PHOTO PHOTO NOT NOT AVAILABLE AVAILABLE
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Vasa Star May-June 2006
AUDIO-VISUAL DIRECTOR Craig Petersen P.O. Box 129 Ione, CA 95640 Phone: 209-763-2523 cpvasapix@aol.com SAMANTHA McGANN Bessemer Lodge 203 DL Lake Michigan No. 8
NICOLE MARIE NELSON John Ericsson Lodge 25 DL Massachusetts No. 2
Samantha stated that: “Academically, I work; athletically, I play; but it’s musically that I live and I love”. She hopes to pursue a career in music as a performer and a music teacher. She hopes one day to be the music director for a children’s club because for ten years she enjoyed being a member of Solstrålen Children’s Club No. 17, performing in community activities. Samantha had the opportunity to attend the Concordia Language Village. In 2005 she had the lead role of Jenny Lind in the musical “Barnum”. She is a member of the NHS; is a peer mediator and a member of SADD. She was the team captain of her varsity swim and softball teams.
After graduating from Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI, Nicole will begin her study of Mechanical Engineering at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute this fall. Nicole has volunteered in a second grade classroom and with the Interfaith Hospitality Network at two churches. She has been very active in her local lodge; helping with the monthly newsletter, serving as Assistant Master of Ceremonies, and being a delegate at the 2005 District No. 2 convention. She is a member of the NHS, and has been one of the top winners in several sciences fairs. She also cleans and helps as needed monthly at a cat shelter.
The Vasa website at www.vasaorder.com contains a “materials button” which has the listing of audio visual materials available. If you are unable to use the Vasa website, you can still ask that a listing be sent to you by mail.
To All Applicants For The Grand Lodge Scholarship Program: The Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee wishes to thank you for participating in this year’s competition. The committee and the independent judges are very impressed with the quality of all the applicants and salute your extensive involvement in your lodge and community and the welfare of your fellow citizens. We wish you success in your studies and look forward to your participation in the 2006-2007 contest. Details will be found in the September/October issue of the Vasa Star. The Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee Dr. Rolf Bergman, Vice Grand Master, Chairman Dr. Ulf Brynjestad, Grand Master Cynthia B. Erickson, Grand Secretary
Vasa Star May-June 2006
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Learn Swedish Language and Culture While Having Summer Fun! 2006 SJÖLUNDEN LANGUAGE VILLAGE AWARDS Dr. Rolf Bergman, Vice Grand Master and Chairman of the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2006 Sjölunden Language Village Awards. They are:
Name
Address
Lodge Info
Dylan James Bender
1231 Corey Ave Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Mother, Carol J. Bender is a member of Jubileum Lodge No. 755, DL Lake Michigan No. 8
Christoffer Dyrssen
604 South Pinckney St Elk Point, SD 57025
Father Christian Dyrssen is a member of Norrskenet Lodge No. 331, DL Iowa-Nebraska No. 17
Kristen Eliasson
Box 5, Site 5, RR#1 Thorsby, AB T0C 2P0 Canada
Kristen and parents Allan and Linda Eliasson as well as grandmother Matilda Eliasson are members of Skandia Lodge No. 549, DL Alberta No. 18
Birgitta M. Johnson
2321 W Estes Chicago, IL 60645
Birgitta is a member of Vårblomman Children’s Club and parents, Paul and Linnea Johnson, as well as four grandparents, Frank &Vangelene Peterson and Hagard & Marion Johnson are members of Hagar Lodge No. 721, DL Lake Michigan No. 8
Lauren Kosvic
67520 San Jacinto St Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Lauren and mother, Linda Kosvic, is a member of Desert Viking Lodge No. 682, DL Pacific Southwest No. 15
Jessica L. Olson
5741 Scenic Heights Dr Minnetonka, MN 55345
Grandparents Harold and Luana Olson are members of John Morton Lodge No. 488, DL Minnesota No. 7
Sarah Samuelson
7252 152 B Ave Edmonton, AB T5C 3N4 Canada
Sarah, parents Neil and Zoria Samuelson and grandparents Roy and Charlotte Samuelson are members of Skandia Lodge No. 549, DL Alberta No. 18
Elizabeth Britt Stopka 115 Crissey Geneva, IL 60134
Elizabeth and parents Jim and Paula Stopka are members of Viljan Lodge No. 349, DL Lake Michigan No. 8
In Truth and Unity Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee Dr. Rolf Bergman, Vice Grand Master, Chairman Dr. Ulf Brynjestad, Grand Master Cynthia B. Erickson, Grand Secretary
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Vasa Star May-June 2006
DISTRICT LODGE NEWS DL Massachusetts #2 Honorary Membership in Masssachusetts District Lodge #2 presented to: Past Grand Master George Nord and Margaret Nord Presented by Jr. PDM Pamela Genelli Submitted by: Pamela A. Genelli, PDM
Pictured left to right: Margaret Nord, Pamela Genilli and PGM George Anders Nord.
DL Pacific Southwest #15
Grand Master Ulf Brynjestad, newly elected District Master Steven Leigard and Jacqueline Ahlen, Grand lodge Deputy.
Officers, delegates and guests of the Vasa Order of America spent a very enjoyable weekend, February 24, 25 and 26 at the Torrance Marriott Hotel, Torrance in Southern California. This year the District Lodge hosted the convention under the watchful eye and guiding hand of PDM Ken Murphy of Nordic Lodge. Individual Lodges helped out by chairing different events. It leaves such a good feeling to see the members come together, work on what ever they have taken on and always have such great results. It is all volunteer work done with Vasa Star May-June 2006
hustle and bustle and smiles. Friday afternoon offered three half hour seminars. Carolyn Salk spoke of Swedish food; Siv Swan Pierson spoke of Swedish Holidays and Robert Swanson took us on an Artic Balloon flight. Friday evening offered a wonderful and fun reception put on by Mayflower Lodge. The guests were well fed and not many went out for dinner that evening. Saturday morning belongs to the opening ceremonies. Haakan Spaberg narrated the flag ceremony. Vasa youth dressed in national outfits presented the flags. It’s so
nice to see the younger generation back in the picture. Grand Master Ulf Brynjestad was escorted in by a couple of lovely young ladies. All three looked happy! District Master Deborah Kenshalo announced the passing of District Master of Ceremonies, Lynn Glotz, who left this world just a few weeks earlier at the tender age of 51. The Lord’s Prayer was read in Swedish and a moment of silence was held. District Master Deborah has been an extremely hardworking and dedicated person. Living in Fresno and having meetings in Los Angeles and some in San Diego, did not seem to bother this lady at all. DM Deborah proved to be a very competent leader during the year as well as during the convention. A very happy part of the convention was when Grand Master Ulf received an honorary lifetime membership in District 15. A well deserved honor. It was a sad moment when it was announced that Anchor Lodge #648 was closing their lodge door. On the positive side most of Anchor’s members transferred their memberships to other lodges. Congratulations to the District’s new officers: District Master Steven Leigard, Vice District Master Susan Premo, Secretary Mary Ethel Pierson, and Assist. Secretary Arlene Lundquist, and Treasurer Bob Solt. Christina Kenshalo and Kristine Hofve are the two new board members. The office of District Chaplain Continued on page 14 Page 13
DL Pacific Southwest #15 Continued from page 13
went to Rolf Gustafsson. District Master of Ceremonies is Maidie Karling and Bryan Soderberg. Nel Solt is the new Cultural Leader, Lori Wennbo and Carol Johnson is inner and outer Guards. Ila Engstrom got her three-year term as Auditor renewed and PDM Daga-Karin Lindquist is starting her three-year term as District Trustee. It looks like another good year for District 15. Saturday evening is always party time. The banquet was preceded by the District Master’s reception and a social hour. The banquet’s dinner was very enjoyable. PDM Bob Salk served as emcee, speeches were short and light. DM Deborah handed out diplomas to an uncountable number of members who put in extra time and effort to make the organization work. PDM’s Ken Murphy and Thomas Jahn received beautiful trophies with the Vasa Logo inscribed. Scholarship chairman Maidie Karling presented well deserved scholar ships to Edward Yankowsky and Juliana Soderberg. GLD Jacqueline Ahlen received the Ellen Bergstone Elder Hostel award and Sam Conte’s band finished off the evening with some great dancing music. Sunday morning was back to business. The annual memorial service was held just before lunch. Vasa Choir, directed by LeRoy Anderson and Jane Sandler assisted Chaplain Nel Solt in bidding farewell to the 49 members that passed away during the last year. It is a quiet half hour, when members take a step back in time. The page is turned at lunch, which follows the memorial. This is when bellies are filled, jokes are told and happy and lucky participants take home wonderful prizes from several different opportunity drawings. Vi-King Matthew Greenlees and Vi-Queen Kathy Olson were introduced. We hope these young people will step up to bat in the near future and bring others along. Newly elected Chaplain Rolf Gustafsson brought his guitar and sang Evert Taube to everyone’s delight. And then there was the installation of the newly elected officers. GLD Jacqueline Ahlen was in charge of this event. And just like last year everything went as smoothly as it possibly could. And the afternoon grew into early evening with coffee and home baked goodies. Bodies and minds grew weary but the smiles remained as officers and delegates turned their noses homeward.
Newly elected District 15 Officers for 2006. Picture by: Thomas Jahn
DL 20 Södra Sverige Vi har haft vårt vårmöte i Ljungby. Medlemmar av Exekutiva Rådet såväl som representanter från Storlogen hade två intressanta dagar tillsammans. Diskussionerna rör sig förstås om hur vi ska få nya medlemmar till våra loger. Satsning på informationsmöten görs i flera lokalloger. Vi diskuterade vänloger och vill gärna ha kontakt med er i USA och Kanada. Enskilda medlemmar är också välkomna. Hör av er till DKL Gun Lith, e-mail dl20.dkl@vasaorden.se, eller VDKL Margareta Berg, e-mail: dl20.vdkl@vasaorden.se, så ska vi hitta en vänloge till er i Sverige. Platsen för vårt nästa Distriktsmöte är nu bestämd till Ljungby våren 2007. Arrangör är DL 20 tillsammans med Logen Klockan Nr 747, Örkelljunga. Vi hoppas få se många gäster från USA och Canada. Årets Svenskamerikan firas i Växjö den 13 augusti i år.
We have met for our Executive Board Meeting in Ljungby. DL members as well as representatives for the Grand Lodge spent two interesting days together. Discussions on how to get new members to our local lodges was held. Activities and information meetings will take place in several local lodges. Sister Lodges are wanted and we would really like to get in contact with lodges in US and Canada as well as with individual members. Contact District Cultural Leader Gun Lith e-mail: dl20.dkl@vasaorden.se or Vice District Cultural Leader Margareta Berg e-mail: dl20.vdkl@vasaorden.se. We would be happy to find a sister lodge for you. The location for our next District Meeting is now decided to be Ljungby in spring 2007. DL and LL Klockan Nr 747, Örkelljunga are the organizers. We look forward to welcome many guests from the U S and Canada. The Swedish American of the Year 2006 is celebrated in Växjö on the 13 of August this year. Submitted by: Margareta Berg
Submitted by: Nel Solt Page 14
Vasa Star May-June 2006
NEWS FROM LODGES Tegnér Lodge #149
Svea Lodge #296
Oakland, CA
Svea Lodge #296, Erie, PA, inducted four new members. I am sure they will be enthusiastic and full of new ideas!
The 2006 officers of Tegnér Lodge #149, Oakland, CA, were installed at a joint meeting of the three East Bay lodges, hosted by Framåt Lodge #405, Berkeley, in January. The ceremony was very impressive and all enjoyed the refreshments and socializing afterwards. Our regular meeting was held as usual on the third Thursday of the month. Doris Nordendahl presented a very interesting program on how to involve your whole family in creating a family history. We had a wonderful potluck supper at our February “Fat Tuesday” meeting which included a delicious pork roast prepared by Doris Nordendahl and semlor baked by our Chairman, Laura Nordendahl. We had a short cultural program and business meeting. Former Chaiman and long-time member Virginia Campbell, who now lives in Oregon, was in the Bay area in January, and many of us were able to visit with her. We are glad tha she keeps up her memberhsip in our lodge, continues to support us, and visits now and then. Submitted by: Ann Tennis
Brahe Lodge #245 Rockford, IL Our Vasa Brahe Lodge #245 in Rockford, IL was delighted to have our two special guests on April 9, Heide and Rune Wande, from Åkers styckebruk in Sweden! Our lodge was filled to capacity while we all enjoyed a “sill frukost” in our beautiful Vasa Park. Submitted by: D. G. Eksten
Heidi and Rune Wande Vasa Star May-June 2006
Erie, PA
Submitted by: Linda Collin
We held our annual summer picnic at the Kruse Winery, in Gilroy, at the invitation of the owner, who had given a prior presentation at the Lodge. Our year was completed with a wonderful Luciafest celebration with Lucia, her four maidens and a star boy, Santa with gifts for the children, music for dancing around the Christmas tree and as always a delicious dinner prepared by the ladies. Submitted by: Charles Wallin
Skogsblomman Lodge #378 Preston, WA
David Cope, Edwin Sandberg, Karen Cope, and Donna Sandberg.
Lindbergh Lodge #375 Los Altos, CA The Lodge was very active this past year. In addition to our monthly cultural meetings, which include a variety of delicious dinners, lodge members participated in some special events. We hosted a dual installation of officers with Svea Lodge #348 of San Jose, Cal, that included a nice dinner, with congratulations all around. The Lodges’ 78th anniversary was celebrated with a grand party. We had a catered dinner and danced to Swedish popular music. Our members attended a huge Midsommar celebration at Sveadal that started in the morning and ended well into the night. We had dancing around the Maypole in the afternoon where we danced hambo and schottis to good music. Lodge members also attended the District annual Sweden Day celebration at Oak Grove Park, Stockton.
In a cultural revolution, designed to overtake routine meetings with cultural activities, Skogsblomman Lodge’s “flour children” held a “bake-in” at the March meeting. Everyone was invited into the kitchen to mix, roll and bake some Swedish flat bread (tunnbröd). The soft flat bread was the same kind that the members make for their famous meatball dinners. Bread making for a crowd has historical roots in Skogsblomman Lodge and the Preston community. The founders of Skogsblomman Lodge were Swedish immigrants who worked in the logging and lumber milling industry in Preston and High Point, Washington, 22 miles east of Seattle. Skogsblomman members ran the Preston logging camp’s cookhouse. Member Betty Boman’s aunt was of one of the women who ran the cookhouse. Betty Boman showed Ben how to use a wooden spatula stick to pick up the thin round he rolled out on. Ben, who came with one of the members, has five brothers and sisters. He made ten perfect rounds of flat bread and took some home to give to his mom, who has heard that Vasa has fun family activities and is considering joining. Betty shared this time-tested recipe from her aunt to make large quantities of “quick” flat bread. This recipe yields 2427 large round cakes of flat bread. Four large freestanding pancake griddles were used to bake the bread. Continued on page 16 Page 15
SKOGSBLOMMAN LODGE #378 Continued from page 15
Betty Bowman shows Ben how to make flatbread.
Flat Bread (Tunnbröd) 3 cans evaporated milk 1 1/2 c. lemon juice 2 c. sugar 4 t. soda 2 T. salt 10-16 c. flour
Stir milk, lemon juice and soda together until very frothy. Stir in sugar and salt. Blend in flour slowly to make soft dough. (Use the remaining flour to flour the baking board.) Make soft balls of dough about the volume of a tennis ball. Roll and turn until a thin round of dough is achieved. Gently roll the round up on a wooden spatula stick and transfer the round to the hot griddle. Bake for about a minute on each side and remove to a cloth-covered table to cool. Brush excess flour off the bread and off the griddle. Each round can be folded and torn or cut into about 8 wedge-shaped pieces. Serve with butter, cheeses, and sandwich meats and coffee. Submitted by: Carolyn Purser
Branting Lodge #417 Calgary, Alberta, Canada 2005 was a special year for the Province of Alberta Canada - the province celebrated their 100 year anniversary. Sister Alice Jean Smithstad, a Vasa member since 1971, shares her music and her gift of “words to pen” writing biographies and poems and has now written about our cetennial year. Alberta, like the rest of Canada, is a multi-cultural society - almost a com-
plete change from what it was a hundred years ago. This brings to mind the thought of all the Swedish immigrants who came to Alberta from Sweden via Minnesota and the Dakotas. My own family was an example. They were happily settled in Minnesota but when Canada opened its doors with the promise of cheap land and endless acres of
Marie Johnson and Mother Moose “Mabel” during a ski trip to William Watson Lodge, Kananaskis Country in Alberta, Canada. Page 16
virgin soil it was too much to turn down. There were advantages: the language was no problem, farmers were used to dry land farming and in general the environment was suitable. Many of our Vasa friends came under these circumstances even though it meant becoming part of the British Empire. Lodge Branting has entered into the celebrations with gusto. They have marched in centennial parades, attended countless multiculrual affairs, enered cultural contests and have several books ready for publishing – all highlighting the contributions by Swedes to the province. Within our lodge we hold our yearly events as Installation of Officers in January followed by wine and cheese and fellowships. For the last twenty years we have had ski trips to William Watson Lodge located in our beautiful Rocky Mountains, only an hour drive from Calgary. This yearly event has been well attended and lots of fun ... skiing, walking, playing games, eating ethnic foods and taking pictures of the beautiful surroundings and even of our almost tame mother moose. We celebrate Valentine’s and let our Brothers work hard at hosting our lunch. Pea soup and pancakes are served once a year before our March meeting. We have social evenings and Mother’s Day Continued on page 17
Lil Nordin Jan. 2004 at William Watson Lodge in Kananaskis Country in Alberta, Canada. Vasa Star May-June 2006
Vasa Hope Lodge #503
BRANTING LODGE #417 Continued from page 16
Celebration. Our 28th annual Golf Tournament was held with a potluck supper afterward at the campground. Another important annual event is the Children’s Swedish Summer camp at Vasa Park – Pigeon Lake, Alberta, a week of fun for the children and camp personnel alike. Our annual Lutfisk supper was held at the Scandinavian Center with an abundance of homemade food made by our Sisters and Brothers. The Lucia and Christmas Party held at the newly renovated Scandinavian Center upper hall. Our Lucia this year was Kristina Moore, granddaughter of a proud grandmother, Mildred Byman, a longtime member of our lodge. The potluck supper was, as usual, comparable with a Swedish smorgasbord. Num-num. The variety of our entertainment was truly enjoyed, including a children’s dance group. The Christmas tree was brought out to the middle of the floor and the traditional dance around the Christmas tree with Santa Claus (Jultomten) and children of all ages enjoyed themselves. We are looking forward to many more years of fellowship within our lodge. Many good wishes for the New Year 2006 and the start toward the Bicentennial. Många kära hälsningar till alla Vasa medlemmar; Nära och Fjärran. Submitted by: Ann-Mari Greik and Alice Jean Smistad
Seattle, WA Easter month is here and Vasa Hope members are looking forward to spring and summer weather to enjoy future gettogethers again. We started out the new year of 2006 in January with a luncheon of very attractive variety of open-faced sandwiches, salad and dessert prepared by our Program Committee, two who are pictured, Lois Morgensen and Marinell Olson. February was a day for many members to wear red, celebrating Valentine’s Day. Stan Krahn remarked with laughted, “All I got is my blood-shot eyes!” Table decorations were very appropriate as usual, decorated by our “Whiz Liz” Bogus who had each table centerpiece with a large red heart, red roses, bright red stemmed glasses filled with nuts and candy. Liz was also celebrating her 80th birthday. Lunch was hamburgers, a great salad of spinach with sprouts and water chestnuts and dessert. During our meeting which followed lunch, our charter was draped in memory of Laura Seznick, who passed away January 13. March was “wearing of the green” for St. Patrick’s Day. Our Chairman, George Boxrz and Lois Morgensen, were both decked out in bright green as they greeted the members at the refreshment table for the social hour. Tasty chicken croissant sandwiches, green gelatin salad with cottage cheese, and mint green ice cream were savored for lunch. During the meeting, in memory of Anne Granberg
Wilson, our charter was again draped. Anne passed away February 25th. April had an Easter theme with “Whiz Liz” again outdoing herself in the table decorations and also enticing the arriving members to take part in the prize drawing of her Easter basket of “Brer Rabbit In The Cabbage Patch” with a bottle of molasses and decorated with brussel sprouts. Chairman George Boxrz again greeted our members, this time as “Peter Rabbit At The Bar,” dressed in full bunny regalia with the loan of Lois Morgensen’s rabbit ears. Boxra said as rabbits are known to multiply, he thought his Peter Rabbit presence could multiply more members to come! Good thought. Our lunch was like a dinner. During our meeting that followed lunch, for the third time this year, our charter was draped as another member, Sharon Stegman, passed away March 26. It is so heartbreaking to lose our members. A pleasant surprise was for Nancy Flaten when she was unexpectedly presented with her 40-year membership pin. Submitted by: Elsie Busch
Lois Morgensen and Marinell Olson
Phoenix Lodge #677 Phoenix, Arizona At the Phoenix Lodge 677 Vasa meeting on February 25, 2006, twenty-three beautiful authentic folk costumes from Sweden, Norway and Finland were shown. The story of each costume was described, including some of its history and where it was from using a large projected map of Scandinavia. It was fascinating to learn so much about the various costumes and to see the pride of each owner as they shared their unique stories. We admired the intricate handiwork of each complete outfit. The program was planned and organized by Jenny Rudberg. Submitted by: Sam Lidén
Vasa Star May-June 2006
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Bishop Hill Lodge #683 Bishop Hill, IL For many years there were thoughts of starting a children’s club in Bishop Hill. This subject usually came up at the Christmas party in December when many children and grandchildren took part in that seasonal event. Nothing ever came of it. What was needed was that certain person with lots of energy and hopefully with children of her own. Patty Christianson is such a person. She is very energetic, talented and so interested in learning about the Swedish and Nordic Heritages. When she suggested starting a children’s and youth club she was encouraged to go ahead. The Pride of the Family is now a reality. Recently they officially received their Charter during a reception at the Vasa Archive. Many Vasa members and guests showed up to share in this special event. We were treated to some excellent folk dancing and the youngsters served punch and cookies. Some of the youngsters have original
Some of the children are taking part in the presentation of the Children’s Club Charter at the Vasa Archive.
costumes but the ones that do not, have with Patty’s help, made costumes as authentic as possible. They have performed at many various events such at the Capitol Rotunda in Springfield Illinois, nursing homes,
workshops and museums and of course for our lodge Bishop Hill #683. We are looking forward to their program at our District No 8 Convention held in the Quad Cities in May. Submitted by: L. Horngren
Oak Leaf Lodge #685
Cariboo Lodge #690
Thousand Oaks, CA Here at Oak Leaf Lodge #685 in beautiful downtown Thousand Oaks, CA, we just keep trucking along. We take 2 steps forward and 1 step backward but we are a nice, fun loving group. Like all lodges we are “greying” and we need new, younger members but we are still holding our own. This past Midsummer found a happy little group at Vasa Park in Agoura Hills. We have a lovely park. In September we had our annual Autumnfest and Marknad. Oak Leaf had a “White Elephant” table which made over $300 which was matched by our lodge and donated to the Katrina Victims Fund. We also have seen our own little “mascot,” Oskar Leo, courtesy of Kristina Pace (see front cover). We all smile when we see this sweet little fellow. The picture was taken at the Midsummar. His grandmother, Sonia, had dressed him in blue and yellow down to his shoes. Nothing could be more Swedish than Oskar. Greetings from Oak Leaf Lodge #685.
The Cariboo Lodge #690 of Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada held our Annual Pancake Supper on February 12, 2006. This event is always a highlight for the ladies as it is the men that host the evening. They set up the tables - prepare and serve the dinner - and clean up. What a treat! Our dinner was fabulous, of which included blueberry pancakes, plain pancakes, (home made) sausages, bacon, eggs, whipping cream, strawberries, followed by a delightful tray of assorted fresh fruit, and even jelly roll. We ended our meal with a hearty applause to a wonderful group of men who really outdid themselves! In appreciation for our MEN!
Quesnel, British Columbia
Submitted by: Caroll McIntosh
Submitted by: Louise Shearer Page 18
Vasa Star May-June 2006
Vinland of Cape Cod #703 So. Dennis, MA Our November meeting was brief as it was followed by a covered-dish luncheon. There were many delicious dishes brought in by our members, but the one that “stole the show” was the BANKE BIFF — a meat dish prepared by Johan Christiansen. Johan was a cook in the Merchant Marine for many years, and after tasting his cooking it is easy to understand why so many seamen were happy to stay at sea. As I recall, when Rune and I were first married and he tasted MY cooking, he TRIED to join the Merchant Marine!! Following our December meeting, our Lucia fest was held. Sarah Knop, daughter of Gary and Crystal Knop, and granddaughter of Vinland’s Millie Knop, had the honor of being Lucia this year, accompanied by her gracious attendants and many tomtenissar. During our February meeting a proposed slate of officers for 2006/2007 was voted upon and accepted. The proposed officers will be installed in April. It was learned of the deaths of two of our members, Elizabeth Walker and Donald Freeman, in whose honor The Charter was draped. The following report was submitted by Lodge member Dorothy Kean: Four members of Vinland Lodge visited two Cape Cod schools to present information about Sweden as a part of a Winter Olympics Celebration. A First Grade class at the Laurence C. MacArthur School and a Fifth Grade class at the John Simpkins School, both in South Yarmouth, had selected Sweden as their country of interest during the Olympics. George and Gerd Hedlund, Ingrid Miller, and Dorothy Kean presented information about the climate, location, geography, industry, and government of Sweden to the classes. The children were fascinated to learn what the days were like in the middle of the winter and summer, and why Sweden is called "The Land of the Midnight Sun". As the students were learning about Olympic events they understood that the many lakes and mountains in Sweden encourage the people to take part in numerous outdoor events. They also discussed the customs and traditional celebrations, athletics, recreation, schools, and language. The children were interested in learning how to say many words, Vasa Star May-June 2006
Our Kitchen Magicians are: 1st row l. to r. Vivian Lundquist, Enid Macris, Ann Swanson, Xenia Christiansen, Adèle Lundquist; 2nd row: Louise Fietz, Gerd Hedlund, Johan Christiansen, Peg Johnson and partially hidden Dolores Pedersen.
phrases, and names in Swedish. Gerd wore her beautiful Swedish costume and explained that is often worn on special occasions. She and Ingrid told the children about their personal experiences as young girls in Sweden, and how they came to live in this country. Several dolls, Dala horses, books, toys an photographs were displayed. The chil-
dren enjoyed seeing pictures of the royal family and learning how royalty functions in a modern country. Following the March meeting, which again was brief, an Ärter och Ugnspannkakor luncheon was served and enjoyed by all. Hope you're all enjoying a beautiful spring. Submitted by: Marion S. Borgman
Stenland Lodge #727 Sparkill, NY Lodge Stenland #727 in Rockland County, N.Y. celebrated its 26th Anniversary with a delicious dinner at the The Old ’76 House Restaurant in Tappan, N.Y., March 26, 2006. A total of 28 members and guests were present. VASA visitors from other lodges were: Barbara Peterson, the District Deputy to Stenland, Karen Snowberg and Don Jacobsen, from Lodge Freja and Susan Olson from Lodge Lindbergh. It was a very pleasant afternoon renewing old friendships and making some new ones. Stenland is looking forward to another year with our VASA friends. Our Past Chairman, Carl Gustafson gave the invocation and our Present Chairman, Robert Rasmussen followed with a toast. Vikki and John Paxton also celebrated their 11th Anniversary. Ja må dom leva! Committee: Evelyn Larson & Beatrice Rasmussen. Submitted by: Beatrice Rasmussen
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Nordic Red Rocks Lodge #760 Sedona, AZ March 26, 2006 was a fun filled fundraiser for our lodge. We auctioned off white elephant gifts. These items came wrapped and what a surprise it was when they were opened up. The gifts came in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Our auctioneer was Dennis Malarkey. We received an e-mail from our Swedish visitors, Charlotte and Sven Andren and they had a great visit in Arizona, especially the helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. Easter traditions, food and customs in Sweden were our cultural topic for our April meeting. Nadine Murphy made this presentation. Darby and Tobias Lofstrand will discuss the history of runes for our May 28, 2006 meeting. The use of runes led to the Germanic/Norse alphabet. There are many myths and legends about runes. June 25, 2006 is our Mid-summer Festival. We celebrate this holiday with songs, stories, dancing and of course wonderful food. This will end our monthly meetings for the summer. We will resume our meetings in September with a talk on Carl Larson by Suzanne Copeland.
Nordik Folk Lodge #761 Lansing, IL Brand new Nordik Folk Lodge #761 gained its charter and held its Institution Ceremony on Sunday, January 29, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lansing, Illinois. The new charter was signed by over 35 new members and overseen by district dignitaries from Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Nordik Folk Lodge #761 came to fruition over time when the Supervisor of Nordikids Musiklubb, Lynda Smith, began discussing the possibility of the parents group forming a new Vasa Lodge in Northwest Indiana. Many meetings later and after lots of planning, District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 dignitaries, District Master Sten Hult and his wife Nancy, and Bill and Sheila Lunquist of Flint, Michigan, came to share an informative Power Point Presentation explaining Vasa Order of America history, as well as topics including scholarships, the old age fund, rituals, and information on the popular Concordia Summer Language Camps in Bimidji, Minnesota. Brochures and membership forms were distributed and the rest is history. Officers Installed were Mike Pearson, Chairman; Steve Westlund, Assistant Chairman; Linnea Ogrentz, Recording Secretary; Elsa Welton, Assistant Recording Secretary; Jenny Stoica, Treasurer; Barbara Hannigan, Historian; Jodi Nicola, Cultural Leader; Wendy Brown, Inner Guard; Ingrid Lesko, Outer Guard; Michael Pearson Jr., Master of Ceremonies; Fred Raddatz, Assistant Master of Ceremonies; Annelise Nelson, Financial Secretary; Lisa Pearson, Assistant Finanacial Secretary; Beth Raddatz, Auditor; Tim Ogrentz, Auditor; Phyllis Kalajian, Trustee; Michelle Wadkins, Chaplain; and Shelly Westlund, Archives Representative. Meetings for the new Nordik Folk Lodge #761 will be held at First Christian Church of Dyer, 704 E. Joliet St. (Rt. 30) in Dyer, Indiana on the third Monday of every month at 7 pm. Plans for the coming year include a picnic, a trip to Chicago’s Historic Swedish Andersonville neighborhood and IKEA. We will also be involved in supporting Nordikids Musiklubb Children’s group who hold their Annual Lucia Fest in December, and Spring Fest in April. Submitted by: Linnea Ogrentz
Submitted by: Kristin Boyes
Experience Swedish Language & Culture In Minnesota!
“Sweden and Swedish: The Sjölunden Experience” Swedish Elderhostel Week October 15-21, 2006 Program No.: 6800-101506
Concordia Language Villages 8569 Thorsonveien NE Bemidji, MN 56601
1-800-450-2214 Email: clvevent@cord.edu Web: www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages
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Lake Michigan No. 8 District Master Sten Hult addressing newly installed Chairman Michael Pearson , Sr. Vasa Star May-June 2006
SWEDISH NEWS SVENSK-AMERIKANSKA ARRANGEMANG 2006 DISTRIKTSLOGEN SÖDRA SVERIGE NR 20 Juni 17 Kl. 17.00 Kontakt:
Höganäs Svensk-Amerikanskt Logemöte Logen Höganäs Nr 634 Leif Larsson, 042-340311
Juli 4
Halmstad Sverige-Amerikadagen Logen Tre Hjärtan nr 665 i Svarta Örnshuset, Erik Dahlbergsgatan 2 Elve Lensvall, 035-157058
Kl. 19.00 Kontakt: Juli 16 Kl. 13.00
Kontakt: Aug. 6 Kl. 14.00
Kontakt:
Runsten ÖLAND-AMERIKADAGEN i Tornlunden, Runsten Högtidstal av Biskop Anders Wejryd. Anförande av Vänföreningens ordf. Ulf Bejbom samt sång av Kyrko- och Hembygdskören. Servering av kaffe m.m. Emigrantinstitutet hjälper till med släktforskning. Hembygdsföreningen Karl-Gunnar Larsson 0485-561062 Emigrantinstitutets Vänner, 0470-20120 Barkeryd BARKERYDSDAGEN Logen Småland Nr 618 Inmarsch till Norrahammars musikkår som spelar under eftermiddagen. Amerikanska gäster från Texas med Lucia. Roland Cedermark sjunger och spelar och Magikern Wiktor Wilsson trollar och leker med barnen. Folklustspel av amatörteatergrupp från Vessingebro. Barkeryds Hembygdsförening Alf Karlsson 0380-22014 Logen Småland Nr 618 P-O Brink 036-160481
Aug. 6
Kalmar Sverige-Amerikadagen på Kalmar Slott Logen Calmare Nyckel Nr 628 Kl. 14.00 Gudstjänst på engelska/svenska i Slottskyrkan Kl. 15.00 Underhållning i Gröna Salen, Kalmar Slott Kl. ca 16.30 Ostkakegille med underhållning i Krusenstiernska Gården Kontakt: Britt-Marie Lindeblad 0480-471944; 070-32 77 343 Aug. 13
Kontakt:
Växjö Minnesotadagen med Årets Svenskamerikan Logen Carl von Linné Nr 678 Svensk-Amerikansk gudstjänst i Domkyrkan i Museiparken i Växjö Arrangör: Svenska Emigrantinstitutet Catherine Bringselius-Nilsson 0470-28588
Aug. 19 Kl. 18.00 Kontakt.
Kristianstad Svensk-Amerikanskt Logemöte Logen Christian Nr 617 Karin Holmqvist 044-241378
Aug. 20
Önnestad Sverige-Amerikadagen / Hans Mattsson-dagen Logen Christian Nr 617 Svensk-Amerikansk gudstjänst i kyrkan. Fanparad till Hembygdsparken.. Tal, plakettutdelning. Musik, folklore och utställningar. Karin Holmqvist 044-241378 Hembygdsföreningen, Bitte Kjellberg 044-243625
Kl. 10.00 Kl. 14.00
Kl. 11.00 Kontakt
Sista ”dansen” på Faktoriholmarna Jo, så är det dystra beskedet som Logen Eskilstuna och Hans-Olof Söderström lämnat till sin loge och till mig. Hela den vackra ön Faktoriholmarnas hela anläggning - med folkhögskola blir nu museum. Logen Eskilstuna får nu se sig om efter andra lokaler och det är bara att hoppas att det blir så att de även kan ta emot Distriktets kurser i framtiden, vilka alltid har blivit så väl mottagna av vännerna i Eskilstuna. I dag är det inte riktigt klart var vi skall flytta men det finns förslag säger Br. Hans-Olof, så jag hoppas att vi ses också nästa gång här i Eskilstuna. Just nu ser det ut som om vi kommer att flytta med Folkhögskolan till Bolinder/Munktells gamla fabrikslokaler som numera restaurerats till flera ändamål bl.a. Hotell. Det är min innerliga önskan, som jag uttryckte när vi avtackade Eskilstunalogen för det fina arbete de åter lagt ned, denna gång vid Tjänstemannautbildningen den 11:e och 12:e mars 2006. Inte mindre än sju olika kurser hölls under de två dagarna, i mitten av mars. Ny var webbdesignkursen med Distriktets Webbmaster Jan-Erik Larsson som kursledare. Ett ämne som mer och mer visas intresse för bland logerna. Angenämt är också att Distriktets båda sidor har stor besöksfrekvens och passerar snart 5000 besök sedan Nov. 2005. www.Vasainfo.se har också ökat stort tack vare vår webbmasters enträgna arbete, och finns nu också på engelska! Jag tar gärna detta som ett mått på att vår webbmaster kan sitt uppdrag. Jag hade också förmånen att återigen få Stig Håkansson som ledare för Ceremonikursen som kan vår Ordens ritualer. Samt som ny ledare för ordförandekursen FDM Eva PilhammarAndersson, en av dem som verkligen kan det – inte minst pedagogiken!! Vår nyutnämnda Kassör Britt Mörk har ju vanan inne att ”prata pengar” och bokföring med medlemmarna, också med stor hjälp från Distriktslogens revisor, Leif Ström, så från den kursen gick vi inte okunniga. Kultur-ledarkursen fick besök av SLKL Erik Gustafsson som tillsammans med DKL Ulla-Britt Essgren lärde ut kulContinued on page 22
Vasa Star May-June 2006
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SISTA “DANSEN” Continued from page 21
turens många olika vinklingar, och vad Emigrationsregistret hade att ”bjuda på”. Sekreterarkursen med sina åtta deltagare leddes av DS Birgith Siegers och VDS Marie Jensen, med van hand. Medlemsutvecklingen stod Lage Jenneflod för, med tre systrar med både ordförandeerfarenhet - och även distrikts FDS-erfarenhet, det blev många framgångsrika idéer. Tjänstemannakurserna 06 blev som vanligt en framgång för Distriktet och jag vet att kursdeltagarna kommer ta till vara vad man lärt sig. Många hade inte tidigare var på dessa kurser. Omdömet blev något att ta vara på för att utvidga intresset som tjänstemän inom sin loge. Vasa Bill Olofsson och Torbjörn Ålund från Logen Göteborg studerande sånghäftet.
Orden av Amerika, Vasasyskon - Våga ställa Er upp i Era loger och ha åsikter allt för att främja framtiden för Vasa Orden. Tjänstemannauppdrag är fint och skall vårdas, posterna längst fram väntar på er! Tjänstemännens betydelse ute i logerna är ovärderliga!! Det är våra tjänstemän som tillsammans med medlemmarna bär upp våra loger och vår Orden
Vasa Orden av Amerika. Som vanligt är det ju VDM som skall sköta om inbjudningar och detaljerna kring kurser och ER - möten, ett uppdrag som Gunnar Gustafsson nuvarande VDM ordnade till det allra bästa. Tack Broder Gunnar! Submitted by: Lisbeth H Qvarfordt DM DL19 - SLPD
Logen Enköping Nr 646 Under Lördagen den 4 februari 2006 genomförde Logen Enköping Nr 646:s årsmöte. Ordenssyskon från Västerås och Stockholm närvarade. Under ordförandes verksamhetsberättelse kunde man läsa att Logen haft besök av ordenssyskon från olika loger i Sverige. Logens ordförande samt finanssekreterare hade även deltagit i Distriktsmötet som genomfördes under Maj månad i Kristinehamn. Logen har god kontakt med lokalloger i USA och Sverige. Tjänstemännen för 2006 år installerades av logens distriktsdeputerad från logen Englebrekt Nr 619, Västerås Liberth Karlsson. Nya styrelsen består av, ordförande Karl-Erik Axelsson, Vice ordförande Torbjörn From, Sekreterare Elisabeth Agge, bitr. sekreterare, Lilian Andersson, Ceremonimästare Leif Lindén, Kulturledare Anita Jonasson, FDO Thore Gryse, Kassör Alan Tammerfors, Finanssekreterare Rune Lidén. Avgående kulturledare Götha Rangborn avtackades av ordförande KarlErik Axelsson med blommor. Page 22
“Bellman” alias Janne Södergran sjungande Bellmans visor. Bakgrunden Torpartrion.
Under kvällen bjöds det på middag från de kommitterade Elisabeth Agge, Anita Jonasson och Anne-Sofie Hjort. När middagen var klar blev det underhållning av de för Enköpingsbor välkänContinued on page 23 Vasa Star May-June 2006
LOGEN ENKÖPING NR 646 Continued from page 22
da gänget “Torpartrion med Janne” som består av Taimi Johansson, Leverstatorpan alias Ivar Karlsson, Rolf Sohlman och Janne Södergran. Denna kväll fanns Leif Erkenfalk med som gitarrist. Det blev en härlig underhållning med ett program som bl a presenterade sånger och även gästades av ”Bellman” och “Ulla Winblad” alias Janne Södergran sjungande Bellmans sånger. Under kaffet framförde Logens Distriktdeptuterad Liberth Karlsson ett varmt tack till de kommitterade för den goda maten. Kvällen avslutades med lotteridragning. Submitted by: Elisabeth Agge
Logen Uddevalla Nr 638 En resa från Norrköping till Uddevalla gav många nya intressanta upplevelser. Logen Uddevallas hyresvärd – Svarta Örns Orden, värd några egna ord. Huset ligger vid Lagersbergsgatan 29, precis vid foten av det stora Kålgårdsberget. Orden precis som Vasa Orden har en anrik historia och grundar sig på emigration till USA. Den bildades i mitten av 1600 talet ombord på skeppet “The Black Eagle” av dess besättning och resenärer, protestanter som flydde religionsförföljelser, i europeiska länder bl.a. Sverige – Jo, det är sant om man läser historien. The Black Eagle slutade sin färd i Boston varifrån samfundet spred sig över stora delar av USA. Till Sverige kom samfundet där Sjökaptenen John Hellstenius tog fasta på valspråket RÄTT OCH SANNING och införskaffade genom kontakter med det amerikanska samfundet organisation och ritualer och samlade tiotalet vänner 1902 som tillsamman stiftade den första Orden 1903 i Göteborg. Till Uddevalla kom orden 1954 alltså fyra år tidigare än vår Lokalloge Uddevalla Nr 638 av Vasa Orden av Amerika. Vi kan väl ändå säga att innebörden av valspråken är ganska lika. Svarta Örns Orden har idag ca 30 loger i Sverige. Vasa Ordens Uddevallaloge är en till antalet medlemmar stor loge och kunde mitt på söndagseftermiddagen samla nästan fullt hus i sin logelokal i det vackra ”träslottet” vars ägare är Svarta Örns Orden. Inte mindre än sex olika sällskap Vasa Star May-June 2006
finns inrymda i lokalerna. Trivsamt och trevligt som vanlig i dessa speciella logefastigheter. Logen hade denna söndagseftermiddag samlat nästan fullt hus och det var hög stämning bland medlemmarna. Gerd Bohlin installerades som Ordförande och Carl-Gustaf Hjelm som Ceremonimästare av Logens DD Birgitta Haraldsson Larsson. Det blev ett logemöte med allt som hör till med Vasasången och reception av ny medlem Lena Boustedt. Många väntar på att tas in i logen. Efterkapitlet i Mässen blev en trång men alldeles lagom stund med middag och underhållning av Uddevalla egen revykung Andreas T Olsson. Det var för mig en trevlig eftermiddag i Uddevallalogen, inte minst för att få träffa medlemmarna Carl-Erik Carlsson med fru Britta. Carl-Erik är Hedersmedlem och har sedan länge insett att Vasa Orden av Amerika stått stilla. Jag har fått mycket plus för mitt arbete av Carl-Erik en av Vasa Orden stora profiler i Sverige och som vet vad han talar om. “Ge inte upp!”, är hans ord till mig. Vi växer säger Carl-Erik om sin loge Uddevalla där han och fru Britta varit medlemmar i snart 40 år och som innehaft många stora tjänster bl. a. i Storlogen. Uddevallalogen har också en välkänd profil i förre Chefredaktören på ortens tidning Bohuslänningen, Rolf Axelsson. Mycket aktiv i logearbetet och en vän som vi träffade på 60-talet som journalist på Folkbladet i Norrköping. Han är en tillgång i logearbetet och var mycket aktiv i söndagen arbete. Efter en natt på Evert Taubes välkända tillflykt, hotell Carlia var det dag för en återfärd till Norrköping med många nya intryck från Uddevalla.
Uddevalla Lodge No 638 A trip from Norrköping to Uddevalla offered many new and interesting experiences. Uddevalla Lodge’s landlord – The Order The Black Eagle, is worth mentioning here. The building at Lagersbergsgatan No 29 lies right at the foot of Kålgårdsberget. The Order, just as The Vasa Order, has a rich history and is based on emigration to America. Its crew and its passengers established it in the middle of the 1600’s aboard the ship “The Black Eagle”. The passengers were Protestants fleeing religious persecution in Sweden and other European countries. Yes, it is true if one reads its history.
The Black Eagle finished its voyage in Boston and from there this religious group spread over large areas in America. The group was established in Sweden in 1902, when the sea captain John Hellstenius took the motto JUSTICE AND TRUTH and gathered, through contacts with the American chapters, organization and rituals. Together with about 10 friends, the first Order was instituted in Göteborg 1903. The Order came to Uddevalla in 1954, that is four years earlier than our local lodge Uddevalla No 638 of the Vasa Order of America. One can still say that the signification of the mottos is quite similar. The Order of The Black Eagle has about 30 lodges in Sweden. The Vasa Order’s local lodges Uddevalla is considered a large lodge according to its membership and could in the middle of a Sunday afternoon gather almost a full house in its lodge hall in the beautiful ”wood castle” whose owner is The Order of The Black Eagle. No less than six different groups meet in these halls. These special premises are as usual comfortable and pleasant. The lodge had this afternoon gathered an almost full house and the excitement was high among its members. The lodge’s District Deputy Birgitta Haraldsson Larsson installed Gerd Bohlin as Chairman and Carl-Gustaf Hjelm as the Master of Ceremonies. The lodge held it’s meeting which included the Vasa song and a reception for a new member Lena Boustedt. There are several people that are waiting to become members in the lodge. The event after the meeting was crowded but a fine one with dinner and entertainment by Uddevalla’s own show king Andreas T Olsson. It was for me a nice afternoon in the Uddevalla Lodge and a chance to meet Carl-Erik Carlsson and his wife Britta. Carl-Erik is an Honorary Member and has long realized that the Vasa Order has stood still. I have received much positive input for my work from Carl-Erik, one of Sweden’s great Vasa Order’s profiles and he knows what he is talking about. “Don’t give up!” are his words to me. We are growing, Carl-Erik says about his lodge Uddevalla, where he and his wife have been members for almost 40 years and who has held many positions including the Grand Lodge. The Uddevalla lodge also has as a member, Rolf Axelson, a well-known profile in the former Chief Editor of the local newspaper, Bohuslänningen. Very active in the lodge Continued on page 24 Page 23
LOGEN UDDEVALLA NR 638 Continued from page 23
work and a friend, whom we met during the 1960’s as a journalist at Folkbladet in Norrköping. He is an asset to the lodge and was very active with lodge work during the Sunday meeting. After spending the night at hotel Carlia, a well-known Evert Taube’s refuge, it was time to return home to Norrköping with many new impressions from Uddevalla. Submitted by: Lisbeth H. Qvarfordt, DM DL 19, SLPD Picture by: Inge Hallberg/SF
Logen Härnösand Nr 673
Sten och Kalle Wigert
Lördagen den 4 februari kunde Ordförande Leif Claesson hälsa ett 70-tal medlemmar välkomna. Kvällens Loge besöktes av 4 medlemmar ur Logen Mälardrottningen samt Exekutiva rådets medlem Tore Tellberg. Logen Nr 705 Sundsvalls Ordförande Margareta Tellberg med stab installerade Härnösands Logens styrelse och tjänstemän, som till stor del omvaldes. O. L Claesson kunde utdela tecken för 40-årigt medlemskap till Kerstin och Gunnar Lindberg. Verna Beijar erhöll 10års tecken. Förtjänsttecken fick Viola och Lennart Pettersson samt Barbro Sundgren. Efterkapitlet inleddes med förfriskningar varefter Ulf Järnankar och Tryggve Grundström med sin mångsidiga och trevliga underhållning rev ner massor Page 24
av applåder och glada skratt när de dessutom fick publiken att delta i både talkör och qi gong. Den supé som sedan värdparen Sellgren, Larsson och Westerlund flinkt serverade smakade utmärkt. Kjell Hamrin ledde som vanligt glatt alla sånger och Bosse Selin spelade dragspel till allt som sjöngs under kvällen. Vid det åtföljande kaffet försvann alla lotter snabbt och glada vinnare hämtade många av de generöst skänkta vinsterna. Ett som vanligt gott tillskott till Logens kassa. Efter kaffet bjöds det så upp till dans. Den 17 mars hölls månadsmöte Ett 50-tal medlemmar och gäster hade tagit chansen att vara med på en som vanligt trevlig sammankomst. Till Logen kunde Ordf. Leif Claesson denna kväll installera
Bert Högberg som tjänsteman för året. Kalle Wigert hade hälsningar från ett antal Loger som han besökt under sin senaste USA-resa och där familjen fått ett fantastiskt mottagande. De trogna brevvännerna John Dalmas och Lennart Gorn hade som vanligt haft kontakt med kulturledaren. Värdparen Johansson, Leijon-Bodin och Häggblad inbjöd till en god supe´. Ulla-Britt Nordin ledde kvällens sånger. Efter maten bjöd Margareta Grafström på lite kultur med sitt trevliga berättande till egna bilder och gamla foton om vår delvis bevarade gamla stadsdel Östanbäcken. Hon har ju forskat mycket om gamla tider och gav oss livfulla skildringar om livet i stan och de människor som bodde där. Allt mycket uppskattat. Värdparet bjöd oss sedan till bords med kaffe och kaka och där kom som vanligt historieberättandet igång och kvällen avslutades i en mycket munter stämning. Submitted by: Barbro Sundgren
Vasa Star May-June 2006
YOUTH NEWS A Swedish Chilean Nicaraguan American Having chosen to spend her first summer after high school doing volunteer work in Nicaragua, instead of working for much-needed college money, Alexandra (Lexi) Anderson is especially appreciative of the $1,000 scholarship from DL Lake Michigan No. 8. A Jubileum Lodge member since age 14, she had registered for college at University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and was on a plane to her new adventure four days after graduating from West High School in Madison. Lexi and a girl from California were the only members of the group in a small community near Masaya. She worked with an organization called “Amigos de las Americas” and attended Madison Chapter training meetings during the school year. Being personally responsible for raising all the funds needed to pay her costs, as well as for the project materials she would use, was a monumental task. She was in Nicaragua from June 16 to August 11. The two girls lived with a family with four brothers and one sister. The mother was happy to have daughters; she and Lexi became very attached and cried a lot when Lexi returned home. The water supply was a faucet at the edge of their property. Their showers consisted of a pail of cold water and a small bowl so they could pour water over themselves. She said they shared their sleeping area with seven bats, a rat, three scorpions and many cockroaches. Their bathrooms were a choice of two outdoor latrines. One had many cockroaches and they were told about snakes in and around the other. This all made darkness and an open field look good. She had the experience of killing a chicken to help prepare a family
meal. Not many city girls get this opportunity. Because children there have many preventable infections and illnesses, they taught at the elementary school for two hours, four days a week. Lexi is fluent in Spanish and has spent time in Chile with her grandparents. They used games to teach simple knowledge of sanitation, personal hygiene and the environment. Dinky, the host family’s dog followed them to school each day. He would wait outside for the two hours so he could follow them home. The girls probably gave Dinky more attention than he had had in his lifetime. He may have thought he had died and gone to dog heaven. Their other project was to plan, organize and recruit help to build a storage room at their community center. This involved mixing and carrying cement, concrete blocks and building the walls for this room. She lost some weight, built some muscle and gained self-confidence. One of her host brothers turned 20 while she was living with them. He had wanted a pair of jeans for months and had been talking to his mother about this. When Alexandra gave him the jeans for his birthday present, his appreciation was similar to what you would expect if you gave a 20-year-old guy in Madison a car for a gift. The people are poor and the living conditions are hard, but the people are vibrant. Lexi became very attached to her host family and they to her. She is now their official “gringa” (word used for people not from that country, and usually white) daughter. She says that she hopes to go visit in the near future and keep in contact. Lexi considers herself a “Swedish Chilean Nicaraguan American”
Two brothers and former Vasa scholarship recipients form a company to help assist children with autism. Sven and Lars Liden, former Phoenix Lodge 677 members since youth, recently launched a company to help increases the accessibility of pre-school and school-age treatment for children on the autism spectrum. The company, TeachTown, brings together experts from the video game industry with experts in autism research. The prevalence of autism has risen dramatically in the last two decades, rising
from 1-in-20,000 births to 1-in-166 today. The cost of therapy can be as much as $20,000 to $100,000 per year, and there are wait-lists of more than 6 months for services. Both Lars and Sven were recipients of college and graduateschool scholarships through Vasa, and are happy to be able to use their education to form a company with a positive social mission. “There’s an opportunity to do well by doing good”, says Sven. “Both of us have worked for larger companies and for big projects, but it’s very
and she hopes to remain involved with the organization, and possibly be a veteran volunteer in another country next year. Twin baby girls were born to a neighbor and good friend of the host family after Lexi arrived. They named one Alexandra after her so the picture shows Alexandra holding baby Alexandra. Article by: Lexis’s grandfather is Duane Anderson. Submitted by: Gloria Waity, Secretary, Jubileum Lodge #755
A good friend
Alexandra holding Alexandra
TeachTown
Vasa Star May-June 2006
satisfying to think that you could be developing something that could be profitable, but could also very directly benefit the community.” The subscription program, called TeachTown: Basics is intended for parents, teachers, or clinicians who work with young children diagnosed with autism. It includes on-computer lessons, off-computer activities, data tracking, and a communication interface. More information is available at www.teachtown.com. Submitted by: Sam Liden Page 25
PLEASE MEET Håkan Nesser Håkan Nesser är en av Sveriges mest lästa författare och har nyligen publicerat sin första kriminalroman med engelsk översättning, Borkmann’s Point. Håkan tillbringade några dagar i New York City och besökte dessutom Cleveland, Ohio där han passade på att göra reklam för sin bok i bokhandeln Joseph-Beth Booksellers i Legacy Village och signerade sina böcker. Under hans besök pågick The Cleveland International Filmfestival, Sverige representerade bl a med filmen Kim Novak badade aldrig i Genesarets sjö baserad på Håkan Nessers roman från 1998. Jag hade tillfälle att möta denna kända författare under en mottagning som anordnades i hans ära innan filmförevisningen. Han är en lång och mycket charmerande man med en stor portion humor som villigt svarade på allas frågor och även mina. “Du nämnde att du tidigare varit lärare, var och vad undervisade du i?” HN: “Jo, jag var lärare. Högstadiet, svenska, historia, lite engelska. Sammanlagt ca 23 år, mest i en skola i Uppsala – Tunabergsskolan.” “Vad var det som fick dig att börja skriva?” HN: “Svårt att säga vad som fick mig att börja skriva. Har alltid läst mycket, kanske är det ett naturligt steg. Berättelsen som sådan intresserar mig … hursomhelst, när jag en gång hade börjat, insåg jag att det var det här jag ville ägna mig åt på allvar.” “När började du ägnda dig enbart åt skrivandet?” HN: “Blev heltidsförfattare 1998, då jag slutade som lärare.” “Har någon familjehändelse, ngt från barndomen, gett inflytande över någon av dina böcker?” HN: “Nej, ingen direkt händelse, men allt skrivande är förstås omvandlad erfarenhet.” “Vilken är din personliga favorit bland dina egna böcker?” HN: “Har ingen personlig favorit bland de egna böckerna, men jag ångrar ingen. De är olika berättelser, olika former, olika teman. Varje gång skriver jag ju just den bok jag själv helst skulle vilja läsa.” “Hur många av dina böcker har blivit filmer?” Page 26
Håkan Nesser and Marie Carlson
HN: “Hittills har tio av mina böcker blivit film.” “Vad tycker du om filmateseringen av dina böcker? Blir du någon gång besviken på hur dina böcker tolkas i film?” HN: “Har haft tur, det har gjorts 10 filmer, jag tycker alla håller god klass. Särskilt Kim Novak”. “Får du vara med att “tycka till” under inspelningarna?” HN: “I princip, ja. Men jag föredrar att inte lägga mig i så mycket.” “Vilken är din favorit författare, favorit bok och favorit film?” HN: “Har inga absoluta favoriter, men brukar nämna Ian McEwan, läs gärna Atonement, den är ett mästerverk. Filmer… nja, inget som dyker upp. Finns så många goda – och dubbelt så många usla.” “Om du tänker på en person du mött i livet, vem har gjort största intrycket, haft största inflytande på dig personligen?” HN: “Nej, ingen person dyker upp heller, och Nelson Mandela har jag aldrig träffat.” “Du och din familj planerar att leva och bo i New York City under ett år på prov, kan det ev bli permanent?” HN: “Skulle inte tro att NYC blir permanent – kan dock tänkas att det blir mer än ett år. Vi tänker bygga hus på Gotland, och när det väl är klart flyttar vi nog hem igen.” “Varför just New York City, är det kanske en ny inspirationskälla?” HN: “Ja, NYC är precis så bra som alla säger. Fattar egentligen inte vad det är, mer än att det är hela världen i ett nötskal.” “Blir det permanent boende på Gotland så småningom?”
HN: “Förhoppningsvis, ja. Tanken är att bo både i Stockholm och på Gotland.” “Jag vet att du endast hade tre dagar i Cleveland och bl a signerade böcker. Vädret var väl heller inte det bästa. Hann du se något av Cleveland och vad har du för intryck av denna stad?” HN: “Det komiska är att jag nästan inte hann få något intryck av Cleveland, tyckte jag befann mig inomhus hela tiden. Men folk verkade trevliga och jag hoppas få återkomma under ordnade former.” “Har du andra hobbies?” HN: “Hobbies… nja, skriva, läsa, resa tar rätt mycket av den vakna tiden. Och gå med hunden.” “Favorit mat?” HN: “Äter allt, bara det är gott.” “Favorit musik?” HN: “Ganska mycket klassiskt, men också Fado och lite gammal blues.” Till sist är jag bara tvungen att fråga: “Varför skriver du ner dina romaner med svart tusch penna istället för att använda en dator?” HN: “Jag börjar alltså skriva för hand, eftersom det är enkelt och naturligt, du kan göra det var som helst, på tåg, i vilstolar whatever … men normalt skriver jag sedan ner kapitlet på dator så snart det är färdigt. Sedan skriver jag om och om och om…” Håkan Nessers sätt att skriva har naturligtvis påverkats av hans egna livserfarenheter som han påpekar i ovanstående intervju och som han nämnt i tidigare uttalanden “....vad som kan inträffa när vi inte tillmäter våra handlingar” och att “.... livet är skört, som en vandring över nattgammal is.....”. Continued on page 27 Vasa Star May-June 2006
HÅKAN NESSER Continued from page 26
Borkmann’s Point eller Borkmanns punkt som den heter på svenska, kom ut i Sverige 1994. Han har tidigare fått sina kriminalromaner översatta på norska, finska och tyska. Håkan har erövrat en hel del priser och utmärkelser från bl a Svenska Deckarakademin, Nerikes Allehandas kulturpris, Skandinaviska Kriminalsällskapets Glasnyckeln och fick SKTF:s pris 2002 som årets författare. Håkan Nesser är född den 21 februari 1950 i Kumla Örebro län (Närke). Han är numera bosatt i centrala Uppsala där han har sin arbetsbostad. “Kim Novak Never Swam In Genesaret’s Lake” was a runner-up for the Audience Choice Award for Best Film at the Cleveland International Film Festival.” Mer om Håkan kan ni hitta på: http://www.nesser.se/ http://sv.wikipedia.org By: Marie Carlson, Redaktör
Håkan Nesser Håkan Nesser is one of Sweden’s most popular authors and has recently published his first murder mystery available in English, Borkmanns’s Point. Håkan spent a few days in New York City and he also visited Cleveland, Ohio to promote his book at the bookstore Joseph-Beth booksellers in Legacy Village where he also held a book signing. During his visit The Cleveland International Film Festival was ongoing, one of Sweden’s movie representations was Kim Novak never swam in Genesaret’s lake, a movie based on Håkan Nesser’s novel from 1998. I had a chance to meet this very well known author during a reception held in his honor the evening his movie was being shown. Håkan is a tall and very charming man with a great sense of humor who willingly answered everybody’s questions as well as mine. “You mentioned earlier that you are a former teacher; what did you teach and where?” HN: “Yes, I was. In Jr. High school I taught Swedish, History and some English. Altogether I taught for 23 years, mostly at a school in Uppsala – Tunabergsskolan.” “What made you start writing?” HN: “It’s hard to say what got me started to write. I have always read a lot and maybe it’s a natural step. The story itself interests me… when I once started I realized this is what I wanted to do.” Vasa Star May-June 2006
“When did you decide to devote your time solely to writing?” HN: “I became a full-time writer in 1998, when I ended my career as a teacher.” “Has any family incident or something from you childhood influenced any of your books?” HN: “No, no direct single incident, but all writing is transformed experiences.” “Which one of your own books is your personal favorite?” HN: “I don’t have personal favorite amongst my own books, and don’t regret writing any of them. There are different stories, different forms, and different themes. Every time I write, I write the kind of book I would mostly like to read myself.” “How many of your books have become movies?” HN: “So far ten of my books have become movies.” “What do you think of having your books made into movies? Do you ever get disappointed in how your books get interpreted on the screen?” HN: “I have been fortunate; 10 movies have been made and I think all of them are first-rate, especially Kim Novak.” “Are you allowed to “voice your opinion” during the production?” HN: “In principal, yes. But I prefer not to interfere.” “Which is your favorite author, favorite book and favorite movie?” HN: “I have no absolute favorites, but I used to mention Ian McEwan as a favorite. Read his ‘Atonement,’ it’s a masterpiece. Movie…well nothing that comes to mind. There are so many good ones… and twice as many bad.” “Is there one person you met in your lifetime who made the biggest impression or had the greatest influence on you personally?” HN: “No, nobody comes to mind, and I have never met Nelson Mandela.” “You and you family are planning to live in New York City for a year, could it possible become permanent?” HN: “I don’t think NYC is going to be permanent – possible more than a year. We are building a house on Gotland, and when that is finished we will probably move back.” “Why New York City, is it possibly to get new inspirations?” HN: “Yes, NYC is just as great as everybody says. I really don’t understand what it is except that it represents the whole world under one roof.” “Will you eventually become a permanent resident of Gotland?” HN: “Yes, hopefully. The thought is to
live in both Stockholm and Gotland.” “I know you only spent three days in Cleveland and e.g. signed books. The weather wasn’t the best. Did you have a chance to see anything of Cleveland? What kind of impression did you get of this city?” HN: “The funny thing is that I didn’t get a chance to get an impression of Cleveland as I spent my time indoors all the time. But people seemed very friendly and I hope to return during more organized circumstances.” “Do you have other hobbies?” HN: “Hobbies…well, writing, reading and travel take up much of my time and I need to walk the dog.” “Favorite food?” HN: “I eat everything as long as it tastes good?” “Favorite music?” HN: “A lot of Classical music, but also Fado and some old blues.” Last but not least I just have to ask: “Why do you write down your novels with a black ink pen rather than using a computer?” HN: “I start by writing by hand because it is simple and natural. You can do it anywhere, on a train, on lounge chairs whatever…but when I am finished with a chapter I normally write it down on a computer. Then I edit it over and over and over.” Håkan Nesser’s way of writing has of course been influenced by his own life experiences as he mentions in the above interview and as he has mentioned in earlier statements ”…what can happen if one do not predict ones actions” and that “…life is fragile, as a walk on ice freshly frozen over night….”. Borkmann’s Point came out in Sweden in 1994. He has had his mysteries translated into Norwegian, Finnish, and German. Håkan has received several prizes and acknowledgements e.g. Svenska Deckarakademin, Nerikes Allehandas cultural prize, Skandinaviska Kriminalsällskapets Glasnyckeln and he received SKTF:s prize as the 2002 author of the year. Håkan Nesser was born February 21, 1950 in Kumla, Örebro County, (Närke). He lives in central Uppsala right now where he has his workplace. “Kim Novak Never Swam In Genesaret’s Lake” was a runner-up for the Audience Choice Award for Best Film at the Cleveland International Film Festival.” You can find out more about Håkan at: http://www.nesser.se/ http://sv.wikipedia.org By: Marie Carlson, Editor Page 27
Welcome To Our New Members On behalf of the Grand Lodge and members of the Vasa Order of America, I am pleased to welcome you to our organization. We hope you will enjoy your membership and attend your respective lodges and participate in all of the activities planned for you.
Joan Graham, Grand Lodge Membership Chairman 5838 San Jose Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804 E-mail:vasajlg@aol.com DL GRAND LODGE NO. 0 Facklan #248 Josephine Maxwell Carl Widen #743 James Christianson Elisa Beth Kihlberg Madeleine Lachman Pam Skoglund Nordic #708 Sten Ekberg Lisa Gunter Samuel Mingle
Viljan #349 Judy Seifert Elizabeth Stopka Linde #492 Kayla Malm
Glenn T. Seaborg #719 Anne Koeck Gosta Koeck Linda Lindgren Robert Lindgren
DL GOLDEN GATE NO. 12 Sveaborg #449 Ronnie Fassl Teresa Fassl Inga-Lill Fivian Patsy Nilsson
DL CENTRAL CANADA NO. 16 Strindberg #259 Terri Longbottom Marni Pascal
DL MASSACHUSETTS NO. 2 Nordic #611 John Johansson Birka #732 Robert Blomgren Andrea Swanson
DL PACIFIC NORTHWEST NO. 13 Nordon #233 David Guilden Harmoni #472 Abbe MacFarlone Lindbergh #494 David Jansson Cal Morris Mary Morris
DLMINNESOTA NO. 7 Gota Lejon #251 Connie Linse Nancy Pierce Kronan #433 Ted Kellogg DL LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 Brahe #245 Charles Herbst
DL PACIFIC SOUTHWEST NO. 15 Golden Valley #616 Micael Johansson Inga Kozell Joseph Kozell Sean Thomsen Bentil Winther
DL IOWA-NEBRASKA NO. 17 Norrskenet #331 Mildred Peterson Carlene Tagstrom Bertel Tagstrom DL ARIZONA NO. 21 Solstad #709 Lynda Axelson Lloyd Axelson Charles Hill Gunilla Hill Evelyn Hughes Eino Majava Irene Majava
Advertise in the Vasa Star Page 28
Vasa Star May-June 2006
In Memory of
Hugo Walters Lodge Knallen Nr 745, Borås Hugo Walters was born in Anderstorp. Sweden, in 1906 and would have celebrated his 99th birthday in December 2005. When growing up his family moved to Svenljunga. He immigrated to the USA in 1923, taking different jobs until he was employed by Western Electric in New York. He stayed with the company as a building inspector until his retirement in 1968. He met his wife Annie, also from Sweden, and they had one son, Kenneth. Hugo’s hobbies were fishing and gardening. After retiring they moved to Florida.
Hugo Walters
He lost his wife in 1987 and was fortunate to have the support of his good friend Elsa Fredenholm, who had just lost her husband, and who later became his life companion. They returned to Sweden in 2001 and settled down in Fristad. During his years in the USA, Hugo was a member of Rotary and in 1924 became a member of the Vasa Order of America, Lodge Skandia #399, New York (#356 Plainfield)? He was a Vasa member for 81 years and was made Honorary Member of Lodge Knallen #745 in Borås where we were privileged to hear stories of his rich and interesting life. Lodge Knallen has lost a valued member and will miss him immensely. He is survived by his son Kenneth and family and his life companion, Elsa Fredenholm. Submitted by: Karl-Erik Sohr
FAMILY Birthdays
honored by her children, friends, relatives and Vasa members on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. A wonderful dinner was served, musical entertainment was provided by the Clifford Brunzell “Golden Strings” trio and the camaraderie was great. Submitted by: Stanley Palm
Birth Announcement A Son,
Cody Engel Magnusson Linnea Magnie
Lavonne Johnson and Kendra Nielsen
Linnea Magnie was born on May 22, 1906, in Söråker, and will turn 100 years old this month. She lives in Ashland, OR, by a lake where she likes to fish. Son Lloyd Magnie has 2 granddaughters, Val and Stacy.
A Gala Birthday Celebration, honoring Lavonne Johnson, took place at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, MN, on February 5, 2006. Lavone, a former District Master of Minnesota District #7, and presently a member of Kronan Lodge #433, was
Submitted by: Lloyd Magnie
Was born to Nancy and Jonah Magnusson in Tacoma, Washington on Easter Day, April 16 at 7:45 p.m. (19:45) Pacific Time. Both Jonah and Nancy are members of Phoenix Lodge #677 in Arizona, and now live in Gig Harbor, Washington. Submitted by: farfar Stig Magnus
HAPPENINGS Mardi Gras at Vasa Park No, we’re not talking about Carl Gustaf and Silvia… we’re talking about Art and Nancy! The Bjorkners were crowned the King and Queen of Mardi Gras at Arlington’s fun-filled event on February 25th in our cultural center. It Vasa Star May-June 2006
was the Saturday before ‘Fat Tuesday’ so our timing was just right for celebrating at the same time parades were rolling through New Orleans. Thanks to Vic Holmkvist and his kitchen crew of Rich and Marja Apgar,
we enjoyed gumbo, shrimp creole, and red beans just to name a few of our choices… with sides of ham, corn on the cob, corn bread, fresh veggies… it was a real treat! Desserts, which included ‘King Continued on page 30 Page 29
MARDI GRAS Continued from page 29
Cake’ and ‘Moon Pies’, added to the traditions of this southern celebration. Thanks to members Bev Blake, Stacy & Ann Graham, and Ingrid O’Connor… they turned the cultural center into Bourbon Street with murals of houses with balconies. The tables were adorned with glitter, masks and beaded necklaces, and the tablecloths were in traditional colors of gold, green and purple. A special thank you to the Bjorkners for bringing many of the decorations and beads to us from their visits to New Orleans in recent months! Our Dixieland Band accompanied revelers as they paraded around the dance floor either following the ‘crowned couple’ or Helen Haumacher with her decorated umbrella. Looking around the room you could see fancy sunglasses, necklaces that had flashing lights and hats with tassels. A New Orleans specialty drink, “The Hurricane,” was offered by the trustee bar too! Thanks to Robin Burger, Howard Corneilson, Candy Kasich, and Peter Norrman, too, for pitching in, and we hope those members who contributed appetizers and desserts know how grateful the lodge is for your support! A big thank-you to Terry Meloskie and Inger Hanright for joining in the clean-up even though they’re not Arlington members! Now, that’s the Vasa Spirit!!!! Ladies… any interest in being a ‘dual member’? We want to thank everyone who came out to our event. The committee is already making plans for next year, and we hope to add some new things to the evening. We’ll keep you informed throughout the year. Submitted by: Jerry Meloskie Editor of New Jersey Vasa Home Family
Nancy and Art Bjorkner crowned “King & Queen of Mardi Gras.” Page 30
The Ellen Bergstone Scholarship Award Imagine my delight when Scholarship Chairman Maidie Karling from DL Pacific Southwest #15 notified me that I was the recipient of the Ellen Bergstone Award. I quickly called Elderhostel in Boston to make a reservation for the Scandinavian Cooking Class at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina and was fortunate to secure the last reservation for this year for that course. I was also reminded that the class was during the weeklong Scandinavian Heritage Week. My next step was to call my travel agent who promptly made the necessary travel arrangements. Then I was off to the auto club to discover where in North Carolina was Brasstown – and there is was about 2 hours north of Atlanta, Georgia at the west end of North Carolina in the southern Appalachian mountains. Then relatively soon, I left Pasadena and after a smooth flight landed at Atlanta where I was punctually met by the shuttle service and after a few hours of beautiful scenery was welcomed to the John C. Campbell Folk School. The grounds are extensive and the buildings and studios are in natural harmony with the countryside. I was so happy with the daffodils and forsythia, the pine and fir and mulch covered paths through the forest and the birds singing—it was a living fairy tale. Orientation preceded dinner which, as all meals, is served family style. The first meal was the traditional meatball dinner and we all eat heartily—nearly 200 people attending various classes for the week with a staff of 47 to take care of us all. There were classes offered in blacksmithing, clay, enameling, knitting, metalwork (tinsmithing), music (the hammered dulcimer) needlework, weaving, rosemaling, paper art, wood carving and work working (Bentwood Boxes) as well as the cooking of Scandinavia. Each week has a different schedule but each week has the same pattern. The day starts with coffee, tea, cider, and hot chocolate ready in the main building, Keith House, by 6:30 a.m. A morning one-half hour guided walk through the forest is followed by “Morning song” where a local person tells stories, plays area instruments, and talks about the area. I learned, for example, that the Scottish John C. Campbell married Olive Dame from Massachusetts and forged a strong partnership with a focus on education. The Campbell Folk School was founded on the principles of the Danish Professor Grundtvig who had established his theories in Denmark and then in Sweden that school should prepare a person to live.
There are no grades given, no college preparation, no tests, just a variety of subjects presented in a non-competitive manner for the learning of the student. Breakfast is served at 8:15 a.m. and then morning class sessions are from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon with lunch following at 12:15 p.m. At 1:00 each day a video of one of the Scandinavian country was presented and then at 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. it was back to work at your studio. At 5:15 p.m. each day there was a special presentation by one of the craft studios. Dinner was served at 6:15 p.m. and then at 7:00 p.m. another special program was presented— on Tuesday, it was the Scandinavian Dancers and local residents joined the party. Teens from the high school were also there—and could dance the Scandinavian folk dances so very well. A special concert by Staber and Chasnoff a vocal duet with mandolin and guitar was scheduled for Friday evening. The accommodations were excellent—the meal service was exceptional—I was so very busy for the whole week. I learned so much about menu selection and food preparation with hands-on participation. Our class of seven students started on Monday to prepare for our smorgasbord dinner that was served on Thursday evening for our class and our guests. The menu was extensive and included breads— potato lefse, semlor, flatbread, knackered and rye limpa, homemade strawberry jam, molded butters, pickled herrings in tomato sauce and in curry sauce, gravlax, rullepolse garnished with jellied beef, tomato roses and lettuce, meatballs, liver pate, Jansson’s temptation and hard boiled eggs, cucumber salad, boiled potatoes, guld ärtor-yellow pea soup, fruit salad, lingonberries, cheeses – ghettos, fontina, and havarti – abelskivers, blotkake, våfflor, caramel pudding and blueberry tart and rommegrot (cream pudding). The table was beautiful and complete with flowers and candles and with the traditional Easter decorations, the fastelavnris (decorated twigs with the green leaves just budding). It was a fast and intensive week. The weather was crisp and cool with snow on the mountains on Thursday. Even with such a busy schedule, time was found to hike and investigate, to visit the craft shop, the Museum, and to go to Brasstown and visit the antique shops. Addresses were exchanged and then the return journey back to home again with a giant share of good memories to carry. Sincere thanks to District Lodge Pacific Southwest No 15 for this scholarship. Submitted by: Dr. Jacqueline E. Ahlen Vasa Star May-June 2006
In Memoriam
Till minne av hädangångna ordenssyskon genom vilkas bortgång syskonkretsen gjort en kännbar förlust In memory of our departed members who will be sorely missed ARIZONA ETHEL ROUNDS, member of Tucson Lodge #691 since January 17, 1975, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 16, 2006, at age 94. She was born February 22, 1912, in Chicago, IL, and is survived by 2 sons, a stepson, 2 granddaughters, 5 step-granddaughters, and 16 step-great-grandchildren. CALIFORNIA KARL EMIL JOHANSSON was born in Mariestad, Sweden, March 30, 1922, and passed away February 2, 2006, in Los Angeles, CA. He joined North Star Lodge #106 on October 3, 1989. He was a dedicated member and as a retired Master Chef he provided the lodge with many delicious meals over the years. He is survived by wife of 58 years, Dolly, son Ken and his wife Susan, granddaughters Amanda and Erika and sister Ulla Anderson in Sweden. INGRID ELIZABETH LINDBERG was born in Los Angeles, CA, on April 29, 1959, and passed away in London, UK, March 20, 2006. She joined North Star Lodge #106 on September 4, 1973. She is survived by her mother and father, Birgit and Erik Lindberg of Glendale, CA, 1 sister, Christina Lindberg of Big Bear City, CA, 1 niece, 2 nephews and 1 great-nephew. MELVIN NEWSTROM, born Feb. 28, 1921, died Feb. 14, 2006. Survived by his wife Betty, children Steve, Diane, Janet and David, grandchildren, siblings and many friends. He was a 45-year member of Nord Lodge #392, Stockton, CA. ALGOT PETERSON passed away on February 11, 2006, in Laguna Hills, CA. He was born in Blekinge, Sweden, on January 24, 1904. Algot joined Mayflower Lodge on September 28, 1939. Algot leaves his sister, Hildie Mattson, and her family, and also many relatives in Sweden. GERDA MAE LINNEA SWOPE passed away on February 16, 2006, in Newbury Park, CA. She was born in Sweden and came to the U.S. as a child. She was a Charter Member of Oak Leaf Lodge #685 in Thousand Oaks, CA. She is survived by 2 daughters and their families. FLORIDA EARL J.A. HALVERSEN passed away on March 26, 2006. He was born in Janesville, WI, on July 31, 1923, and came to Florida 24 years ago from Dearborn, MI. He joined Holiday Lodge #699 on November 23, 1993. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy, 3 sons, 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
ILLINOIS RUTH M. BUCHT, Honorary Life Member in the Mayflower Lode #445, passed away on February 20, 2006, in Palos Heights, IL. She was born in Bornholm, Denmark, on October 15, 1910. She is survived by 1 son, 3 grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren. MARYLAND CHARLES CLUPPER passed away in June 2005 at the age of 85 and lived in Fort Meyers, FL. He was initiated into Drott Lodge in 1969. He served in the following positions: Recording Secretary (1970), Vice Chairman (1971), Entertainment Secretary (1973), Trustee (1974 and 1975). He became a Life Member in 1996. EVELYN PETERSON passed away in August 2005 at the age of 90 and lived in Kensington, MD. She was initiated into Drott Lodge in December, 1969, and served as Vice Recording Secretary in 1985 and 1986. She became Life Member in 1993. MINNESOTA BEATRICE J. NESLUND was born September 19, 1909, and passed away on January 28, 2006. She was born in the town of Harmony, MN. She was preceded in death by husband Holger in 1981 and son, Wayne, in 1960. She is cherished and deeply missed by sister Gladys Sandback, son Ronald Neslund, daughter, Genevieve Cummings, 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 3 greatgreat-grandchildren. NEW YORK JOHN H. PAPE passed away on December 13, 2005, in Carolina Shores, NC. He was born on March 29, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, and was a member of Gota Lejon Lodge #84. He is survived by his wife Eleanor and 2 sons, John and Gary. OHIO HELEN M. “MIMI” (LARSON) HOLMES, 90, passed away on February 4, 2006, in Cleveland, OH. Beloved wife for 62 years of Walter J., mother of Ginny Waters (Jay), and Gary, grandmother of Heather Waters, M.D. (Jared Tomlinson), and Brit, daughter of the late Arvid and Anna Larson. Helen was born January 8, 1916, in Pittsburgh, PA, and joined Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 on November 28, 1940. She was an integral part of that lodge for 65 years and also a Life Member. OREGON ASTRID CORNELIUS passed away on March 4, 2006, at the age of 96 years. Joined Harmoni Lodge #472 on October 14, 1977, transferred to Nobel Lodge #184 on November 10, 1995. PENNSYLVANIA MARGET S. BUSBEY, 84, passed away January 10, 2006. She was born July 11, 1921, and joined Balder Lodge #308, Washington, PA, on October 22, 1938. She was Financial Secretary and District Lodge #9 Assistant Secretary. TEXAS DR. V. L. “MIKE” MAHONEY, 1925-2005, survived by wife Sarah Mahoney. A Past Chairman of Carl XVI Gustav Lodge, he served in many official capacities in the lodge and the First Viking Fest in Texas.
WASHINGTON MAY JOHNSON BRYAN was born in Carnation, WA, on June 21, 1921, and passed away in Bellevue, WA, on August 29, 2005, at the age of 84. May joined Skogsblomman Lodge #378 on February 20, 1960, and became the heart and soul of the lodge. She served in various offices, headed numerous committees, and also served as District Master of District Lodge Pacific Northwest #13. May personified all that is good about the Vasa Order of America. She was a dear friend to all who knew her and a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughters, Lela Bryan Knox (Walter) and Cindy Bryan Stedman (Larry), grandsons Joel, Bryan, and Evan Stedman, brother Orvie Johnson (Elaine) and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Dear May, we miss you more than words can express. LEROY KRISTROM passed away December 24, 2005, at the age of 63. Leroy joined Norrskenet Lodge for the second time in 1995. Survivors include his wife Sheila, 3 daughters, Trisha Walker (Mike), Kim, and Cindy, a grandson, Bryson Leroy, 4 grandchildren, mother, Mary, and sister, Mary Katherine Grimm (John). SHARON ZABATH STEGMAN passed away on March 26, 2006, at the age of 65. She is survived by George Kenneth, her husband of 47 years, daughters Tina, Teri, and Cathy, and 13 grandchildren. Sharon and Kenneth were members of Vasa Hope Lodge #503, Seattle, WA, and were very active as representatives on the Vasa Park Board Committee. ANNE GRANBERG WILSON, born September 14, 1918, passed away February 25, 2006. She belonged to Vasa Hope Lodge #503, Seattle, WA. She was preceded in death by her brother and husband and is survived by her daughters, Eileen Engelstad and Liz Groshell, grandchildren Lynn, Jeff and Willie, and 4 great-grandchildren. WISCONSIN TIMOTHY “TIM” MALM died on February 13, 2006, at the age of 59. Beloved husband and also a beloved grandpa. Tim has been a Linde Lodge #492 member since 1990. Tim will be missed immensely by all our lodge members and our hearts go out to his family and friends. CANADA ALAN McLENNAN, son of Brigadier and Mrs. Kat McLennan of Scotland. Born 1925 and passed away March 15, 2006, in Quesnel BC (age 80). Alan joined the Cariboo Vasa Lodge #690 in 1990 and was a very active member. He will be sadly missed by his wife Tutta and his children Ken, Marit and Tor and family. He was preceded in death by grandson Alistair.
MEMORIAL NOTICES should be mailed with check or money order to: Marie Carlson, 9560 Curberry Drive, Mentor, OH 44060. The fee is $5.00 for six lines. All notices must be TYPED and written in a format similar to those in this column. Longer memorials are charged at the rate of $8.00 per column inch.
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